NEW RELEASES
PETER LEITCH “Trio/Quartet ‘91”
Concord Jazz * * * 1/2
The Canadian guitarist, who grew up in Montreal but settled in New York in 1982, is becoming a major figure in an area not overly populated with new names--straight-ahead plectrum jazz without electronic gimmickry. A fellow Canadian, bassist Neil Swainson, plays a valuable role on this album, as does drummer Marvin (Smitty) Smith.
This is high-grade, low-key jazz, dealing with the works of musicians from several eras: Ellington, Thad Jones, Joe Henderson, Chick Corea. Leitch’s fiery energy on “The Song Is You” contrasts with the lyrical romanticism of his original “Winter’s Tale.”
A fourth musician, trumpeter John Swana, is added on three tunes, but the trio is self-sufficient. Leitch’s influences--Jimmy Raney and the late Belgian guitarist Rene Thomas--are apparent in this agreeably unpretentious set.
New albums are rated on a scale o one star (poor) to four (excellent). A rating of five stars is reserved for classic reissues or retrospectives.
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