Back in the '70s, when
Earl Klugh was launching his career with easy grooving, melodic solo albums like
Finger Painting and his Grammy winning
One on One collaboration with
Bob James, he probably had no idea he was helping lay the foundations for the later
smooth jazz phenomenon. Throughout the '80s and '90s, tracks by the 13-time Grammy nominated Detroit-born composer and acoustic guitarist became staples of that format -- but he took a sudden leave of absence after his single
Windham Hill Jazz date,
Peculiar Situation, in 1999. Emerging in sweetly eloquent style from a six-year studio hiatus, he gets back to his warm-toned basics on his
Koch Records debut -- which will easily remind longtime fans of his one previous stripped down,
standards-heavy gem, 1989's
Solo Guitar. Another masterpiece of fingerstyle
jazz guitar, the new collection features intimate solo interpretations of 13
standards and
pop classics, as well as
"Angelina," a beloved tune from
Klugh's self-titled 1976 solo debut that he wrote in 1971 -- a fitting closing track that in many ways brings his career full circle. Although fans of his more
pop-oriented material may grow impatient,
Klugh explores a deeper artistry putting his indelible stamp on well-known tunes (
"The Summer Knows," "Ding Dong the Witch Is Dead," "I Want to Hold Your Hand" and
"Moon River") as well as slightly more obscure pieces. He also puts a uniquely
Latin twist on a lesser-known song by film composer
John Williams,
"In the Moonlight." Overall, this is a welcome return from a true master of his instrument. ~ Jonathan Widran
![We Get a Kick Out of Jazz [B&N Exclusive Version]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0602498267424_p0_v1_s90x140.jpg "We Get a Kick Out of Jazz [B&N Exclusive Version]")
