Parris, Gil
Meltzer Media, 2008, DVD
Instrument: Guitar
Issue: 14.1
Jazz Ruler Type: Fusion
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 
O’s Notes: Gil is a proven club performer who speaks with his guitar. He plays jazzy, blues fusion that rocks. He takes advantage of the video format with an introduction from Carolyn Kepcher that sets the stage for the session. Gil also provides commentary between tracks. Seeing this live beats the crap out of liner notes. Paris also takes the opportunity to engage some friends. Paul Shaffer (organ) steps in for “The Duck Walk”; Vaneese Thomas (vocals) puts the soul into “Make It With You”; NY Yankee Bernie Williams joins on guitar for a couple of tunes; Randy Becker (t) plays “Blue Thumb”; and Tommy McDowell sings “Georgia”. David Mann (sax) burns across the set along with Kip Sophas (b), Thierry Arpino (d) and Matt King (keys). Parris wrote most of the music, plays well and presents a great variety of contemporary jazz tunes that are much more substantive than elevator music.
Publicist: Tom Estey Publicity & Promotion
