What is it about the guitar that can bring out the raging exhibitionist in those who play it? All too often we hear recordings featuring guitarists that are flooded with fretboard frenzy; notes and chords cascading about each other seeming as if to prove that all that plentiful practice to master the instrument was well spent.

And then there are guitarists like Dan Rose and albums like Last Night .... Taking his time, finding on the mark harmony and linking it perfectly by way of "mot juste" note selection and phrasing. Rose plays to the song, not to his ego.

That Rose is a virtuoso is unquestioned; his extraordinary command of the instrument is always in plain site, but extravagant speed and other look-what-I-can-do displays are replaced by taste and subtlety.

The beauty of Rose's tone and his mellifluous playing is part and parcel of the artfulness of the classic songs he chooses. Through him we notice once more the sturdy structure and lyrical splendor of long familiar melodies.

And as we listen to Last Night ... we hear a musician expressing his sincere love of song and elegant improvisation.

Simultaneously, we continually admire a masterful player who treats exquisite music with the respectful restraint it fully deserves. [SF]

1. 'Body and Soul'
2. 'Darn that Dream'
3. 'Ellington Medley'
4. 'Say it Over and Over Again',br> 5. 'Tenderly'
6. 'What’s New'
7. 'Sweet and Lovely'
8. 'The Folks Who Live on the Hill'
9. 'If I Loved You'
10. 'Spring is Here'
11. 'Moonlight in Vermont'
12. 'Last Night When We Were Young'
13. 'Medley: Guess I’ll Hang My Tears Out to Dry/Detour Ahead/Dreamsville'

Opening with the quietly lush tones of 'Body and Soul' and 'Darn that Dream,' up next is the expertly synched together 'Ellington Medley,' the melodic hipsway of 'Say it Over and Over Again,' the gentle perkiness of 'Tenderly' and then both the poignant 'What’s New' and then the articulate mannerisms of 'Sweet and Lovely' are brought forth.

Up next is the beautifully sculptured 'The Folks Who Live on the Hill' which is in turn followed by the gossamer of 'If I Loved You,' the beautifully crafted 'Spring is Here,' the harmoniously atmospheric chords of 'Moonlight in Vermont,' with the album rounding out on the rich tonal values of 'Last Night When We Were Young,' closing on the musical flourishing that is 'Medley: Guess I’ll Hang My Tears Out to Dry/Detour Ahead/Dreamsville.'

Official Purchase Link

www.danrosemusic.com