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R. J. Temple: Next Stop: Jazzonia
Temple has the standard Jazz guitar sound: clean notes, played fluidly, with an abundance of swing and minimal sustain. Most of the tunes on this disc are catchy up-tempo numbers with a melody designed to get the listener humming. (All of the compositions are by Temple.) These give Temple ample room to demonstrate his not inconsiderable talents. He is a melodic improviser who seldom strays far from the theme. He sounds his best when the music is swinging. In part that's because the melodies are infectious enough to make the listener forget that Temple's preferred style has been around for years. On the ballads the listener has time to wonder what Temple is saying that's new. I'm not sure that he is saying anything new. Nor is it necessary for Jazz musicians to always break new ground; many of those who are able to make a successful living playing Jazz do so without ever breaking new ground. That's possible when you can make your instrument sing, and when you're playing music that's enjoyable to listen to. Temple does both of these on this entertaining debut.
Personnel: R. J. Temple: guitar; James Cammack: bass; Fred Rackstraw: electric piano, keyboards; Vernon Allison: drums.
Track Listing: The Return Of The Wolf, 21st Century Blues, Out Of The Falling Rain, Sweet Christine, Engangee, Jazzonia, Payin' Dues Blues, Dance Of The Maroons. Total time: 41:19.
Personnel
R.J. Temple
guitar, electricAlbum information
Title: Next Stop: Jazzonia | Year Released: 1999 | Record Label: Emphasis Music
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About R.J. Temple
Instrument: Guitar, electric
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