Thom Rotella 4-tett
Out Of The Blues
Four Bar Music
By George W. Harris

This is my kind of guitarist: straightahead, with no frills, with taste, chops and a bluesy backbone that is irresistible. Leading a band of stellar studio guys who have played with everyone from Cannonball Adderley to Nancy Wilson, Rotella puts out a disc that is rich, and delicious. His tone, which has a gracious mix of Wes and Farlow, is elegant and full bodied, as well displayed on the tender treatments of standards like “I Hear A Rhapsody” and “My Foolish Heart.” On the originals, drummer Roy McCurdy, bassist Luther Hughes and pianists Llew Mtthews or Rich Eames lay down bluesy and deep grooves that Rotella has a field day with. “Who Dat?” and “Bluze 4 Yuoze” will get your neck into a supple shake as you cruise along with Rotella’s mix of octaves and single note runs. Meanwhile, he and Matthews bounce along like stones skimming on a lake on the crisp “All Ways.” Lots of enjoyable moments for fans of mainstream guitarists. When’s this guy going to jam with John Pisano at Spazios?