I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Where's Joe?, by Joe Restivo and it's really strong. Opening with late 50's jazz styling on T. Monk's Bolivar Blues, guitar player Joe Restivo has put together a really nice selection of tracks and just the right mix of musicians to pull this off. With it's bluesy style, Restivo lays out really articulate guitar soloing over the tight rhythms of Tim Goodwin on bass and Tom Lonardo on drums. art Edmaiston hammers the sax delivering a period master work making this an excellent opener. Title track, Where's Joe is a real nice shuffle led by Edmaiston, paired with Restivo on guitar. His solo break here is excellent and of course Edmaiston's sax work is really nice as well. What an opening duo! Backed down to a whisper, Starlight Motel has a really nice melody framed by Restivo and Edmaiston. Restivo's pure understanding of what this music should feel like causes his guitar runs to float on air. Beautiful. Tiny Grimes' Tiny's Tempo is really rocking. With excellent pace and perfect timing in the band, this track is powerful. First up is Edmaiston blowing a great sax solo. His tone is rich and his work fluid. Restivo steps up next and he doesn't waste a note. Wow...excellent! With a lot of swing and a great Latin chaser rhythm by Lonardo, A Few Questions weaves from soft and subtle to powerful and punchy. Edmaiston's sax work really soars on this one and Restivo sounds like an old pro with sophisticated guitar runs. Very cool! next up is a laid back rework of House of the Rising Sun. Mostly sax lead by Edmaiston with firm under pinning by Restivo, a very nice job. Wrapping the release is an exploration on the Stylistic's People Make The World Go 'Round. This track is adventurous and well articulated. This is an excellent release. If you can check your expectations for a Joe Bonamassa or Johnny Winter like release at the door, you're set for a great ride.
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