Russell Malone - Heartstrings (2001) 320kbps

Guitarist Russ Malone got his breaks backing crooners Harry Connick and Diana Krall, but with his mellow Georgia style and slow-smoked grooves, he's well on his way to a solo career. This all-ballad date is built around a sumptuous and hallowed string orchestra with more-than-capable arrangers at the helm: pianist Alan Broadbent, guitarist Dori Caymmi, and composer Johnny Mandel. With virtually every tune taken at a somnolent tempo, the date becomes more the moody sleeper than it need have been, despite Malone's occasional deft double-timing ("Wind in the Willow") and soaring ("Why Try to Change Me Now?"). A feather-light rhythm trio "features" veteran sideman Kenny Barron, whose piano barely peeks into the limelight. Established young groovemeisters Christian McBride (tip-toeing in baby elephant shoes), and Jeff "Tain" Watts (brushes only!) don't merely coast, but tip their knowing hands into nudging along rare old standards like Irving Berlin's "How About Me" and David Raksin's "The Bad and the Beautiful." Hearing Malone caressing the late Milt Jackson's title ballad may well draw similarities with Joe Pass's stunning technical wizardry and George Benson's deep-blue silk. We wouldn't be surprised (but might be delighted) to hear Russ unveil his own mellifluous baritone here and there on some date soon. Heartstrings might score points as a classic "make-out" album a la Johnny Mathis, except perhaps when Malone's deeply devotional side emerges on a final familiar hymn ("What a Friend We Have in Jesus"). --Fred Bouchard