Jimmy Bruno with Tony Miceli and Jeff Pedraz - Maplewood Avenue (review)
Jimmy Bruno with Tony Miceli and Jeff Pedraz - Maplewood Avenue (Affiliated Artists; 3415)
reviewed by Michael Macomber
Philadelphia jazz guitarist Jimmy Bruno’s Maplewood Avenue is a masterpiece of understatement. Eschewing his familiar aggressive style in favor of a more restrained approach, Bruno paints his guitar lines with delicate strokes, drawing subtle emotion and warmth out of the instrument. Tony Miceli’s gentle but swingin’ vibe work speaks back to Bruno’s guitar in an insistent whisper, while Jeff Pedraz on bass is unobtrusive but driving.
Recorded in complete takes with no edits, Maplewood Avenue is a testament to the power of simplicity. The trio is, in a word, amazing. Drums are never missed, as Bruno, Miceli, and Pedraz swing and sway as a single rhythmic entity. “Easton Street Bossa” is breathlessly brilliant and cool beyond compare, like something out of a 1960s jazz picture with Paul Newman. “Upstairs For Coffee” beckons playfully, conjuring up the image of Audrey Hepburn in a slinky black dress, ascending a spiral staircase. The album’s title cut is a happy go lucky number that could easily accompany Jack Lemmon on a cheerful stroll down the avenue.
All the tracks on Maplewood Avenue have a definite cinematic quality about them. Together, they could make one heck of a soundtrack for an ultra-hip ’60s period piece. No doubt such a soundtrack would be a shoo-in come Oscar time.
