By: Vince Lewis
Boston based guitarist, Gerry Beaudoin, has had a long and distinguished career as a jazz artist.
He has a distinctive musical voice and approach, and has produced many fine recordings over the years.
This is a reissue of a CD that was released in 1993 and first brought Beaudoin into the national spotlight. This is also his first release in a digital format.
An all acoustic effort, Beaudoin is joined here by special guests Duke Robillard [guitar] and David Grisman [mandolin]. Beaudoin has his regular rhythm section of Bob Nieskie (bass) and Chuck Laire [drums], augmented on a couple of tracks by Matt Glaser [fiddle] and Larry Baione [guitar].
The recording opens with “Swing With Dr. Jake,” a nice medium tempo tune penned by Beaudoin. The mood is set immediately for a fun session, and it’s evident that each musician was having fun in the studio. Half of the tunes on the CD are Beaudoin originals, showing his ability to create fine compositions, as well as his creative solos.
“Annouman” is a very pretty ballad that moves into a nice double time feel on the bridge section. “Baby Boy Blues” is up next and has a catchy melody and gives Robillard and Beaudoin the perfect vehicle to trade 4’s.
The classic Bill Withers’ 1971 mega-hit pop tune “Ain’t No Sunshine” features a tight guitar and mandolin harmony melodic statement of the melody. “Django’s Castle” is one of the classic ballads of the gypsy genre, and given an excellent and sensitive presentation by Grisman and Beaudoin.
Other standards include “Minor Swing” and “In a Mellow Tone.” The other Beaudoin original tracks are comprised of “So Long Ebony,” “Airola” and “Jackie’s Serenade.”
This truly is a quality Francesca label recording produced by high caliber musicians who blend together perfectly. Beaudoin has made a great decision to reissue it to the public after 20 years and I fully expect he’ll reach a brand new audience to enjoy his very cool brand of jazz.
