Grant Green

Funk In France resonance

A masterwork in streetwise 60s jazz-funk virtuosity Somehow it feels like Grant Green has never quite been ranked in the very forefront of 60s jazz guitarists but this double-disc set of live recordings made in Paris and Antibes from 19691970 presents enthralling evidence that the St Louisborn player deserves better from posterity. From the elegant, poised chordal work of How Insensitive to the nimble, icebox-cool soloing of Oleo, Green is so very classy and composed in every play he makes. He’s known as the funkiest of jazz guitarists and it’s his incredible deftness with free-flowing rhythmic phrasing that makes this welcome retrospective so impressive and engaging. Listen and learn. [JD] Standout track: How Insensitive For fans of: Howard Roberts, Wes Montgomery