During some of the selections on his
SteepleChase
CD, guitarist
Vic Juris
displays an echoey tone reminiscent of
John Scofield
while on a few other numbers he has a dryer and subtle acoustic sound.
Juris
' improvising is on a high level, performing
"Estate,"
"Falling in Love With Love,"
two obscurities, and six group originals (four of which are his) with creativity. His sidemen (pianist
Phil Markowitz
, bassist
Steve LaSpina
, and drummer
Jeff Hirshfield
) are alert and have quick reactions. Two high points are the eccentric
"Dekooning"
and a tasteful
bossa nova
rendition of
numbers that best show off
' impressive flexibility. ~ Scott Yanow