A Guitar Supreme is another guitar tribute to a jazz great, this time around the legendary sax player John Coltrane, a very fitting focus here as Coltrane probably influenced as many guitar players as sax players over the years. While some may say that it would have been nice if Tone Center got a different cast of players to round out this set (the same basic batch of guitar slingers are on most of these tribute CD's) the results are still very good, with plenty of tasty melodies and solos wrapped up in a batch of Coltrane favorites.
Eric Johnson does a fine job laying down some brilliant legato licks on "Resolution", while Greg Howe's beefy, whammy bar inflected excursions adds some rock firepower to "Giant Steps", one of Coltrane's most adventurous pieces. Who could mistake the signature sound of Steve Lukather on "Crescent", while super jazz master Mike Stern sounds right at home on "My Favorite Things", one of the most endearing renditions here. Jeff Richman pulls off some alluring and moody textures on "Central Park West/Your Lady", while Stern again returns with an impressive take on "Equinox", which also features some smoky organ from Larry Goldings. Other highlights include Frank Gambale's dizzying & rumbling lines through "Lazy Bird", and the funky licks of Larry Coryell on "Satellite".
The end result is a fine tribute to a jazz giant. While the emotion of Coltrane is rarely reached here (and honestly, that might be an impossible task) , there are still plenty of fine guitar solos permeating through this set and many familiar melodies that will bring a smile to the face of any fan of the sax legend.
Track Listing
1. Resolution
2. Afro Blue
3. Crescent
4. Giant Steps
5. My Favorite Things
6. Naima
7. Mr Syms
8. Central Park West/Your Lady
9. Equinox
10. Village Blues
11. Lazy Bird
12. Satellite
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