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Peter Mazza: Through My Eyes

By Karen Hogg
December 12, 2009
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On Through My Eyes, guitarist Peter Mazza explores a diverse range of tones and sonic palettes, combining jazz sensibilities with a rock aesthetic. Mazza, a 1995 semi-finalist in the

Thelonious Monk

piano
1917 - 1982

" data-original-title="" title="">Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, might ruffle the feathers of jazz traditionalists with overdubbing and use of steel string acoustic (in open tunings no less), but the result of this forward thinking style is a recording that brims with energy and creativity.

"Burned," a funky, danceable track, starts things off. Mazza and saxophonist

Will Vinson

saxophone, alto
b.1977

" data-original-title="" title="">Will Vinson double on the melody, creating a fluid, seamless sound. Mazza's solo on this tune is melodic and grooving and

Matt Penman

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Matt Penman adds strong support on upright bass. "Close to My Heart," a mellow, lyrical ballad, showcases the guitarist's pensive side. The arrangement builds in intensity as the tune goes along, with Vinson and Mazza once again doubling the melody after Mazza's solo. Drummer

Bill Campbell - Guitar

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">Bill Campbell - Guitar also does some nice work on this track, helping to move the music forward, while never overshadowing the tune.

"Testa Rossa," one of the standout tracks, begins with just a steel-string acoustic guitar; after eight measures, the whole band comes in with a supremely funky groove. The distorted, wah-wah laced electric guitar, dubbed over the acoustic, adds a nice touch. Vinson takes a great solo on this tune, displaying a searing, emotionally-driven tone.

Other highlights include versions of "My Funny Valentine," with a beautifully played finger-style interlude, and "On Green Dolphin Street," both arrangements emphasizing Mazza's penchant and talent for creative guitar voicings.

While Mazza owes a debt to guitar greats such as

Pat Metheny

guitar
b.1954

" data-original-title="" title="">Pat Metheny and

John Scofield

guitar
b.1951

" data-original-title="" title="">John Scofield, his style is clearly his own. Through My Eyes is a worthwhile, enjoyable listen from an inventive and passionate musician.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Burned; Close To My Heart; Testa Rossa; Goodbye; Alphabet City; My Funny Valentine; On Green Dolphin Street; Shangri-la; Dreaming of Open Spaces; Alone with You.

Personnel

Peter Mazza

Peter Mazza: electric, acoustic and baritone guitar; Bill Campbell: drums; Matt Penman: acoustic bass; Will Vinson: alto, soprano sax.

Album information

Title: Through My Eyes | Year Released: 2009 | Record Label: LateSet Records

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