Charlie Byrd - The Return Of The Great Guitars (LP)

"The Return Of The Great Guitars" is a captivating jazz album that brings together the extraordinary talents of Charlie Byrd, Herb Ellis, and Mundell Lowe, with a special guest appearance by Larry Coryell. Released on January 1, 1996, under the Concord Jazz label, this album is a testament to the enduring legacy of these jazz guitar virtuosos. The album spans a variety of genres, including bossa nova, Brazilian jazz, Latin jazz, and cool jazz, offering a rich and diverse listening experience.

Recorded at Sound on Sound Studios in New York, NY, over two days in February 1996, the album features 13 tracks that showcase the technical prowess and creative brilliance of the musicians. Each track is a masterclass in jazz guitar, with Byrd, Ellis, and Lowe taking turns to deliver solos that are both refreshing and technically impressive. The album opens with "Things Ain't What They Used To Be" and closes with "On The Trail," taking the listener on a journey through a range of moods and styles.

The Great Guitars supergroup was originally formed by Charlie Byrd, Herb Ellis, and Barney Kessel in 1973, and this album marks a triumphant return of the group, now with Mundell Lowe taking Kessel's place. The chemistry between the musicians is palpable, and their collective experience shines through in every note. Whether you're a longtime fan of jazz or a newcomer to the genre, "The Return Of The Great Guitars" is an album that will captivate and inspire.