Natural InstinctsMichael Anthony, guitar
From the Liner Notes:Perhaps there are too few of us who enjoy our fondest dreams. Michael Anthony is a dreamer. Talent, dedication, an affirmative demeanor, and a personal musical philosophy have all played an important role to acquire a level of instrumental competence that is rarely achieved. For the past several years I have become acquainted with Michael’s versatility and improvisational capacity via his three preceding CD’s. Although each contains guitar virtuosity of the highest order, the music embodied on this disc represents a form of pure expression. The language of jazz guitar is clearly conveyed as Michael’s immense musical vocabulary is dilineated with precision and taste. Along with his own infectious melodies, arrangements of several timeless standards are flawlessly represented with a sense of harmonic freedom and respect attained only through dedication, experience, and an unfaltering love of one’s craft. A medley of a father’s natural musical abilities and a mother’s daily Italian melodies developed his musical soul. However, in 1955, at the age of 14, he discovered Les Paul and was immediately struck with an auditory lightning bolt that awoke his inner musical voice. From that point forward Michael has remained faithful to his creative impulses. From his early studies with teacher/session guitarist Jimmy Wyble and big band rhythm ace Roc Hilman, Michael continued a diligent practice regimen through early high school. Shortly thereafter he discovered two masters of jazz guitar; Barney Kessel and Howard Roberts. Remaining loyal to his gut feelings, Michael began studies with Roberts and became immersed in jazz, musical phrasing, and composition. He stayed busy playing many dates in and around Los Angeles and by 1995 he was ready to begin a prestigious career as a Hollywood studio musician. In that same year he also performed “Sketches of Spain” with Miles Davis and Gil Evans at the Monterey Jazz Festival. His acute reading skills and adaptability afforded him sessions at all the major studios such as MGM, Fox, Capitol, Disney, and Warner Brothers. During the ’60s and ’70s, when the demand for guitarists was probably at its highest, he recorded several sessions a day with different leaders and producers. In fifteen years he amassed a list of credits that is second to none. He worked with many of the finest writers and arrangers in the business such as Nelson Riddle, Neal Hefti, Gerald Wilson, and Quincy Jones to name a few. His guitar prowess can be heard on many recordings by Peter Matz, Micheal LeGrand, Peggy Lee, and the Beach Boys. A few titles include “Lady Sings the Blues”, “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head” and “Mahogany.” Some of his motion picture work includes New York New York, Funny Lady, The New Centurions, and Bound for Glory. He also conquered the extremely difficult and intense music recorded for animated (cartoon) programs as he worked many Hanna and Barbara productions. A hint of his many television sessions include the Barbara Streisand Special with the L.A. Philharmonic conducted by Zubin Mehta, Sonny and Cher, Dallas, Happy Days, and probably his most memorable, The Carol Burnett Show. It was here where Michael met his soulmate and future wife Kathie, a dancer on the show. Kicking off with “The Breeze and I,” Michael immediately breaks from the gate tight and clean. Harnessing his own boundless earthly, he transforms a familiar wisp of air into a gust of tonal sensations. Sid Fendley supplies his textural organ support while drummer Andy Poling adds to the flurry with his tasty fills. Calm returning once more, we find Michael rendering a wonderful version of the Victor Young classic, “Beautiful Love.” Following a chord melody introduction Michael whispers sounds of passion and devotion through his guitar. Dave Parlato’s lyrical bass solo resounds with faithful adoration. An original composition dedicated to jazz great, Joe Pass; “One For Joe” finds us in the early a.m. hours cruising and negotiating the city streets. It’s cool outside but inside the groove is hot and straight-ahead. A snug blend of guitar and Lee Taylor’s tenor sax create an infectious melody. Besides a burning solo by Michael, pianist Bob Lah confidently takes the wheel and accelerates. “You and Me,” a comfortable Latin groove eloquently fashioned by Dave and Andy, provide ample room for Michael to execute his rich chord melody. Sid furnishes organ backing throughout while Michael provides perfect comping for Dave’s wonderful bass solo. Next up, Michael and friends invite you to ‘feel the sunshine’ as they respond harmoniously to another “Indian Summer.” As the sun begins to set, the streets and the air soon become alive with excitement. “Lat-in-Blue,” it’s festival time! Lee, playing the flute, joins Michael as they weave a web of celebratory ambience. Lee’s tenor sax solo adds further excitement to the festivities. Once again, a peaceful feeling returns with Michael delivering an ardent rendition of of the Rodgers and Hart standard, “With A Song In My Heart.” The group’s creative elements culminate with his wonderful cadenza, “”Recollections of HR,” another composition penned by Michael, is dedicated to Hollywood studio legend, acclaimed educator, and jazz giant, Howard Roberts. Right from the edge Michael offers his soulful insight as he makes use of a variety of musical colors and styles creating a myriad of exceptional control and flawless execution. Within these measures of precise playing and mood swings exists a fine expressive bass solo by Dave. All these elements integrate revealing a wide arrange of harmonic territory. The momentum continues with the guys taking a swingin’, straight-ahead romp on Gershwin’s “Strike Up the Band.” Michael doesn’t miss a trick with his fleeting single note and chord soloing and trades fours with Andy who also provides an intense rhythmic patchwork. George would have been pleasantly surprised. Michael’s warm and lush take on the Arlen/Mercer classic, “Come Rain or Come Shine,” regardless of the weather, is divine. His exact chord Tuesday, June 12, 2007 7:00 PMsed by a moving harmonic foundation. Next up is Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Captain Bacardi” where Dave sets up a funky Latin feel. A seasoned guided tour of music and magic follows as Michael demonstrates his fine octave and chord solo technique. Leaving the festivities, we find the lone guitarist rendering a wonderful, heartfelt interpretation of “When I Fall In Love.” He skillfully maneuvers his warm, delightful chord melody revealing the perfect marriage of harmonic stress and resolution. “We’ll Be Together Again” is smooth and lush all the way while Michael’s solo accurately defines and captures a variety of jazz inflections. The set closes with “Variations on a Theme by Chic Corea.” This tight, flowing original melody is embellished with additional tonal colors and textures through several inspired solos. It is fitting that with this, Michael’s fourth CD, he continues to follow his natural instincts and returned to a platform of guitar that speaks jazz. This is where Michael lives! Track List:01) The Breeze And I (Andalucia) [5:15] 02) Beautiful Love [6:20] 03) One For Joe (Dedicated to Joe Pass) [4:38] 04) You And Me [5:02] 05) Indian Summer [4:40] 06) Lat-In-Blue [6:26] 07) With A Song In My Heart [5:24] 08) Recollections of HR (Dedicated to Howard Roberts) [5:44] 09) Strike Up The Band [3:10] Recording Information:Recorded at Mountain Road Recording, Albuquerque, NM Personnel: Produced by Lone Guitar Pub., Summer 2000 Michael Anthony can also be heard on the Lone Guitar Publications release Acoustic Moods. |
| Last updated on Thursday, November 8, 2007 9:13 PM |
