Review Summary: Intimate live set from an underexposed guitar virtuoso and solo performer.
Isaac Guillory was a guitarist and solo performer who was born in Cuba in 1947. Although never becoming part of the mainstream consciousness he was very well respected in guitarist circles for his brilliant technique and his entertaining live performances. His music covers the spectrum from jazz to folk to blues and while composing many memorable pieces in his own right he was also renowned for re-arranging classic jazz and traditional blues songs.This album contains six original compositions mixed in with cover versions of songs by Hoagy Carmichael, James Taylor and Curtis Mayfield amongst others. During the later stages of his career Guillory was often to be found touring the folk clubs of the UK and Europe and this live set is taken from that period.
Isaac Guillory was always noted for his flowing, seemingly effortless guitar technique and this is shown to great effect on the introduction to 'Baltimore Oreole' in the form of an introductory piece entitled 'Spanish Reign'. Playful open harmonics give way to a trundling rhythm on the bass strings overlaid with a liquid fingerstyle technique and leads us into a memorable rendition of the Hoagy Carmichael jazz classic. Isaac's singing takes second stage to his guitar prowess but he has a rich, soulful voice which suits his music perfectly. 'Somewhere Tonight' is one of the orginal compositions on the album and is a beautiful folk number with some emotive singing and impeccable phrasing on guitar. This is someone who was in complete control of his instrument. 'Swinging Little Guitar Man' is another original composition and displays Isaac's ability to effortlessly maintain a flowing rhythm section on solo guitar while letting rip with bluesy licks and runs on the higher end of the fretboard without restraint. However, I would not want to give the impression that this album is a just a guitar techique showcase because that couldn't be farther from the truth. While undoubtedly a master technician Guillory never degenerates into any overblown histrionics which would detract from the framework of each song. He's just a wonderfully tasteful and fluent guitar player and this is shown to great effect on this live set. Other highlights include an arrangement of traditional blues number 'Marryin' Blue Yodel' and a soulful rendition of Curtis Mayfield's 'People Get Ready'.
Over a 35 year career Isaac Guillory released several studio albums and collaborated on a number of projects including a stint with jazz-fusion outfit 'Pacific Eardrum'. He was renowned for his abilities both in playing and teaching the guitar and was co-author of 'The Guitar Handbook'. He also lectured at the Guildhall School of Music in London. This live set is a worthy snapshot of the man's music and ably demonstrates his prowess as a live performer. Underrated and underexposed, but never forgotten.
