This is just an offshoot of the '80's jazz thread'..
Such an interesting topic could be too broad and might just veer off aimelssly, so I figured, maybe we could zero in on something more specific ...
So here ...
Let's hear it for your favorite solos!
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1. 'Feels So Good' - Chuck Mangione
To this day, Grant Geissman's guitar solo on this song remains one of my favorite 'air guitar' jazz solos. Nice paraphrasing, use of double-stops, slurs, hammer-ons, and best of all ... the tone! I'm not exactly sure what effect he uses for his trademark tone, but I'm guessing it's a phaser; maybe an MXR Phase 90 which was quite popular at the time. For someone using a 'traditional' jazz box, he sure doesn't fit the 'traditional' jazz guitar tone.
2. 'It Doesn't Matter' - SpyroGyra
From the 'Morning Dance' album, this one features John Tropea - another relatively unknown, but killer studio ace during his time. I used to think it was (resident Spyrogyra guitarist) Chet Catallo, but I was surprised when I checked out the album credits recently at their website. Turned out, the group was also like Steely Dan in a way, coz they'd use some 'hired guns' too to get their grooves going.
3. 'Breezin' Easy' - Tom Scott
As the title says, it's light and breezy. Best enjoyed with a bottle or two of San Mig Light ..
4. 'Affirmation' - George Benson
Good ole Georgie before the nose job ...
It's amazing that despite his pop superstar status, he'd always include a track or two where he'd still show off his dazzling fingerwork..
5. 'Superwoman' - Noel Pointer
Classic Dave Grusin at his finest ... from a three-note motif, he builds up the tension using even more rhythmic hooks.. shows us how you don't have to be a Chick Corea yet still make a strong statement..
6. 'Angela' (Theme from Taxi) - Bob James
Who was it who did the guitar solo on this one? Was it Eric Gale? Not sure now, but it does sound like him. Blues-based inflections, definitely ... very tasty
7. 'Shaker Song' - Manhattan Transfer
I'm not sure now if this was Richie Cole or Phil Woods.
8. 'On the Boulevard', 'Twilight Zone' - Manhattan Transfer
Jay Graydon smokes! Well, if he out-gunned Larry Carlton for the Dan's 'Peg,' final guitar solo, then Becker and Fagen definitely should have very good reasons for singling him out ...