Track of the Day

Front & Center is an exciting EP from jazz guitarist Larry Tamanini and is the second album Larry has released as a leader. On this second album is was important for him to showcase his compositional skills as well as his talents as an improviser.

All of the six songs on this album were written by Larry and feature his unique and personal songwriting style, ranging from the high energy opening title track "Front & Center" to the melodic odd meter excursion "Five Minds" and the super soulful earthy picking on "In The Night" which evokes a classic Blue Note feel while still sounding current and fresh.

Throughout this album, Larry had the great fortune to be accompanied by a stellar lineup of musicians including George Hazelrigg on piano with impeccable timing and taste coupled with some powerful soloing and responsive comping. Geoff Hazelrigg on bass holding down the low end with authority and defining the group sound with spirited interplay with all soloists as well as some poignant moments out front. West Coast import John O'Reilly Jr completes the quartet with his remarkable dynamics John is the catalyst for so much of the music and spontaneity that happens on this album.

A thoroughly well played and recorded album Front & Center is a must-listen statement from Larry and for any fan of hi-resolution sounding creative music and definitely changes the game for how any guitar plus an acoustic rhythm trio can sound and be produced.