Some of My Best Friends Are... Guitarists

Bassist Ray Brown, one of jazz's most brilliant musicians, has seen it all in his 75 years. His new album, 'Some of My Best Friends Are... Guitarists', unites him with some of today's most prominent jazz axemen. This fine album pairs Brown with the likes of John Pizzarelli, Herb Ellis, Russell Malone, Kenny Burrell, Bruce Forman and Ulf Wakenius. Augmenting the encounters is the solid underpinning of the Ray Brown Trio's seasoned rhythm section - pianist Geoff Keezer and drummer Karriem Riggins.

On his fourteenth recording for Telarc, Brown and friends present a mix of standards and a few originals, including Ray's own "Blues for Junior," featuring Herb Ellis. West Coast guitarist Bruce Forman adds his composition, "Blues For Wes," written for jazz legend Wes Montgomery. Telarc recording artist John Pizzarelli is featured on a couple of selections, including the opening track, "Squeeze Me," the Fats Waller classic. "Soulful Spirit," penned by Kenny Burrell, is a heartfelt tribute to the late drummer Billy Higgins.