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Guido Basso: One More For The Road

By Pierre Giroux
September 1, 2023
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Guido Basso

trumpet
1937 - 2023

" data-original-title="" title="">Guido Basso, known for his mastery of the flugelhorn and trumpet, died in February of 2023. From his earliest days in Montreal playing with the Maury Kaye band, to working in the US with top performers such

Vic Damone

vocals
1928 - 2018

" data-original-title="" title="">Vic Damone and

Pearl Bailey

vocals
1918 - 1990

" data-original-title="" title="">Pearl Bailey, Basso gained a reputation as a consummate musician who was capable of working in a variety of settings. Deciding not to remain in the U.S., Basso returned to Canada and settled in Toronto. Here, he established himself as a first-call trumpeter, playing with local jazz standouts such as vibraphonist

Peter Appleyard

vibraphone
1928 - 2013

" data-original-title="" title="">Peter Appleyard. Ultimately, he became a founding member of

Rob McConnell

trombone
1935 - 2010

" data-original-title="" title="">Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass where he burnished his reputation.

The 12 tracks on this release were culled from Basso's own "stockpile" of unreleased material, as well as selections from private sessions with his long-time pianist friend the late

Jimmy Dale

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Jimmy Dale. Throughout the album, his playing shines with his impeccable technique and his warm and inviting tone, drawing listeners into each composition.

The opener is a

Henry Mancini

composer / conductor
1924 - 1994

" data-original-title="" title="">Henry Mancini number, "Two For The Road," with Basso on flugelhorn and accompanied by Dale on piano with bassist

Neil Swainson

bass, acoustic
b.1955

" data-original-title="" title="">Neil Swainson and drummer

Terry Clarke

drums
b.1944

" data-original-title="" title="">Terry Clarke. This sets the tone for the album with its nostalgic yet timeless feel. Basso's melodic phrasing weaves effortlessly through the number supported by the rhythm section that grooves with a relaxed feel.

The highlight of the release may be the five duo tracks with stellar musical partners: "Blue Monk" with bassist

Don Thompson

bass
b.1940

" data-original-title="" title="">Don Thompson; "My Ideal" with guitarist

Lorne Lofsky

guitar
b.1954

" data-original-title="" title="">Lorne Lofsky; "East Of The Sun" with pianist

Robi Botos

keyboards

" data-original-title="" title="">Robi Botos; and "Bye Bye Blues" plus "The Good Life" with pianist

John Sherwood

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">John Sherwood. While each partner develops a dynamic interplay and subtle improvisation to enhance the number's emotional depth, Basso's delicate approach evokes a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that allows the listener to connect with the sentiments conveyed through his playing.

The closing number is "Ballad of the Sad Young Men," composed by pianist Tommy Wolf with lyrics by Fran Landesman and performed by the same group that began the session. Basso's lyrical tone and inventive phrasing are on full display, supported by Dale's tasteful chord voicing, Swainson's steady lines, and Clarke's sensitive rhythmic choices. Overall, this album offers a captivating musical journey that is both soothing and invigorating.

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Track Listing

Two for the Road; Gentle Rain; Blue Monk; My Ideal; You're Nearer; Bye Bye Blues; The Good Life; East of the Sun; Second Chance; Last Night When We Were Young; Ill Wind; Ballad of the Sad Young Men.

Personnel

Guido Basso

trumpet

Jimmy Dale

piano

John Sherwood

piano

Robi Botos

keyboards

Lorne Lofsky

guitar

Neil Swainson

bass, acoustic

Don Thompson

bass

Terry Clarke

drums

Brian Barlow

percussion

Album information

Title: One More For The Road | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: Cornerstone Records Inc.

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