I know next to nothing about this artist and record, but I’ve been really in the mood to listen to some jazz guitar. I watched a video from a YouTuber named Rick Beato earlier today, and he recommended a different album from this same artist. That being said, I’m going to jump on in.
“Windows” starts out really smooth. Wow, this guitar is really unlike anything I’ve heard. I really dig the tone of both guitar parts – very bright, and definitely has that semi-hollow body type of sound. Wow, what a beautiful composition. I’m honestly reminded a bit of Jerry Garcia if Jerry played a bit jazzier than he did with that bright tone and some of the whirling licks that take place in the song.
“Nuages” starts out some very strong low notes, but they’re quite punchy to me. Definitely a different tone compared to jazz guitarists like Grant Green. This composition is awesome. It reminds me of Keith Jarrett’s album, Facing You (1972), where he really dazzles with his solo piano. I really feel like I’m getting lost in the music – so relaxing and creative.
“Poem” has almost a darker feel to it than the other songs I’ve heard on the album so far, perhaps it’s just a bit strange. These recordings feel very authentic to me. I can’t tell at times whether or not there’s more than a single guitar playing, absolutely stunning.
“Invitation” has a bit of a gentle opening, and remains pretty gentle as the song continues. I love the little bits of chromaticism in the song. Honestly it’s a wonderful album so far. I never knew guitar albums like this existed, or even could exist, and I’m very glad to be listening to this tonight. Wow, this song has some absolutely stunning guitar work in it.
“India” is absolutely beautiful in its introduction. A very chill tune to be sure, I’m very relaxed and absolutely getting lost in this musical stream. It has a great stirring sensation in my opinion, and develops almost a gallop at one time. I can imagine easily parts of this composition being played on something like the sitar. I can’t say much more other than this one is really beautiful.
“A Time for Love” is really gentle in a somewhat discordant way, and really doesn’t do what you might expect the guitar to do at any point in time. Then again, this is jazz, so I suppose just about anything but the expected will happen. There’s such a caring feeling with what’s being played – and what’s being played is unlike I’ve ever listened to. This album is definitely inspiring me to pick up my guitar and try to learn some new things. The outro to the song, much like the rest of it, is really beautiful.
“Call to the Center” really dazzles right away. Whatever Joe Diorio is playing is making me think about the genre of jazz and the instrument that is guitar in a whole new light. Oh my. This song is incredible. I can’t wait to listen to his other albums honestly, and especially with a band playing with him.
“Without You” feels like it’s starting to wrap up the album, almost unwinding the playing that occurred in the previous songs. Wow, that tone and playing on the lead portion is absolutely beautiful, you can feel the care for the music coming through it. Diorio is almost walking down everything he’s played already in this song. And wow, that rhythm guitar part is really stunning, and reminds me of Bob Weir’s playing in a certain way. The playing has almost a flamenco feel to it at times as well. Beautiful song.
Wow, that was an incredible album. I can’t wait to listen to more by Joe Diorio. If you are a guitarist and/or enjoy jazz, this one is an album for you to check out, without a doubt.
-A