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I last posted on bassist Don Messina in 2022 (go here). Don was a member of the Larry Bluth Trio. On this newly released album recorded in 2020, Don was paired with Rich Peare on classical guitar. The Peter in the album’s title is guitarist Peter Prisco, with whom Rich studied guitar for years. The two terrific players here work though five standards and two originals. What I love about this album is that both Don and Rich are fully exposed and can’t run for cover. They must fill the space with grace and improvisation while working together. The bass-guitar duo format is among the most difficult because stringed instruments can cover only so much sonic ground. In the case of these two, however, the results are exceptional and Tristano-like in delivery. As Don notes about Rich’s playing style: “Rich plucks like he is playing Bach. No pick.” — Marc Myers, Jazz Wax, October 2024

“Blues For Peter” from an album Blues for Peter

Personnel:

Rich Peare – classical guitar
Don Messina – double bass

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New Artists, 2024