Kurt Rosenwinkel

Standards Volume 1

Word of Mouth Music

Rating: 4/5

Contrary to the implication of the title, this is not the first time Kurt Rosenwinkel has recorded an album of standards, but given that since the last time he did so, the Berlin-based guitarist has become one of the most influential voices of his generation, it is fascinating to hear how his intelligent lines and plangent sound negotiate the harmonic by-ways of the great American songbook. The set is restricted almost exclusively to ballads, which is a very exposed setting for a guitarist without a piano to back him up or a horn to take some of the heat, but Rosenwinkel is more than equal to the challenge, and with Standards Volume 1, adds considerably to his reputation.