The up-and-coming Michael Blum makes an impressive and vital debut with Initiation, and a persuasive case for straight-ahead guitar jazz. While this precocious 20-year-old New Hampshire native has forged an accessible modern sound with a rooted connection to jazz masters like Kenny Burrell, Barney Kessel, and early George Benson, Blum embraces an intimacy with his material and dispatches a thoughtful set list with the surprising sureness of a more experienced musician.
Michael Blum plays "Castle Rock"
http://youtu.be/-FlcAJei29s
With chops and good taste, the guitarist delivers a buttery version of “Stella By Starlight” and a bluesy, soulful read of Thad Jones’s lovely ballad “A Child Is Born.” These are two standards that his quartet refreshes through sparkling arrangements tailor-made for Blum’s clean, round tone. It’s a comforting sound whether he’s on nylon string, acoustic, or electric guitar.
Credit producer, bassist, and Blum’s teacher Jim Stinnett for sustaining a warm vibe that gives the band, including pianist Brad Smith and drummer Dom Moio, plenty of opportunity to cook and swing. It's a diverse set of tunes, highlighted by the record’s best track, “Castle Rock.”
Enthusiastically recommended, this first album by the melodically gifted Blum will leave you swooning.