John Stowell - Resonance (2005)

This set of unaccompanied guitar solos was recorded informally by John Stowell over a one-year period whenever he would try out one of Luthier Mike Doolin's new custom-made guitars. All of the music is first takes and, after a period of time, Stowell realized that he had a fine CD suitable for release. In general, his versions of standards are upbeat while his originals are more introspective. Stowell's relaxed playing is always thoughtful and melodic, yet explorative in its own way. Among the better numbers that he digs into are "Nobody Else but Me," John Coltrane's "Equinox," "Some Other Time" and "Yesterdays." Although the recital ends somewhat inconclusively with his brief "Maybe Later," and perhaps the programming could have been improved, the end results are satisfying and relaxing.