Randy Johnston - Is It You? (2005)

An excellent modern mainstream guitarist, Randy Johnston is heard in top form throughout this straight-ahead trio/quartet set. Johnston is joined by bassist Dwayne Burno, drummer Gene Jackson, and (on five of the ten selections) pianist Xavier Davis. While he sometimes recalls Barney Kessel, Tal Farlow, and Wes Montgomery, Johnston has his own sound within the jazz tradition. The up-tempo piece "The Jump Back," one of his three originals, is a high point as are his interpretations of such standards as "Careless Love," a swinging "I Never Knew," and a tasteful ballad rendition of "Nancy (With the Laughing Face)." Randy Johnston's fourth recording for the High Note label is one of his best, showing that he is one of the major underrated talents of straight-ahead jazz guitar. © Scott Yanow