Bruce Lofgren - Bruce Lofgren Jazz Trio (2008)

Bruce Lofgren was first interested in rock and blues before eventually moving his focus to jazz. The veteran guitarist offers a varied program in a trio with bassist Ron Wagner and drummer Mike Flick, his seventh as a leader. His love of Brazilian rhythms is apparent, whether he's playing a breezy take of Jobim's "'Triste" or a bossa nova arrangement of Benny Carter's relaxing "Only Trust Your Heart." Lofgren finds his own fresh approach to "'My Favorite Things" (instead of taking the easy way out with John Coltrane's often copied arrangement), overdubbing solo and rhythm lines. Not too many guitarists tackle Chick Corea's twisting bop vehicle "Bud Powell," but Lofgren and his band negotiate it with ease. His three originals are also appealing, including the swaggering "Full House" and the playful "Bop Talk."