Album Review: Vinnie Zummo – Swinging Guitar Sounds of Young America, Vol. 2
Former Joe Jackson Guitarist, Vinnie Zummo, brings us another genre spanning disk in Swinging Guitar Sounds of Young America, Vol. 2. A rollicking joy ride through the guitar sounds of the past 40 years, Zummo pays homage to his favorite artists by writing songs in the styles they pioneered. Most of the instruments were played by Zummo himself, although he does include a variety of special guest along the way.
Guests in the bass chair include, Mark Egan contributing a tasty fretless line to the bop groover “About 116”. Jon Burr providing a first-rate acoustic bass performance on the Django Rhinehart inspired “Count of Staten Island”. John Caruso adding acoustic bass to the Zydeco feel of “Ravioli”, and Cameron Brown bringing his flair for groove to the Buddy Rich/Mel Lewis tribute “Mel Buddy” and the boppin’ “Bagster”.
From start to finish, Swinging Guitar Sounds of Young America, Vol. 2 showcases top-notch musicianship coupled with a solid production. The album flows through genres while retaining a certain cohesion that makes it all make sense. The songs influences are instantly recognizable and one can’t help but smile as you take it all in. For great style coupled with enjoyability I give it 7/10.
Stanton Lawrence([email protected])
