Matt Panayides
Tapestries Of Song
Pacific Coast Jazz
Www. Pacificcoastjazz.com

Pretty sure this is the debut release of this guy, and it’s quite impressive. He really hits the ground running, with a tight group of Rich Perry/ts, Steve Laspina/b and Dan Weiss/dr that are all composed and arranged by the Greek guitarist. Many of the songs, like “Out Of My Hands” and “Why Bail Them Out” have a strong wholistic sound to them, rather than the ‘theme and solo’ routine of many an album. Panayides’ guitar work is in ample display, however on the elegant intro to “Different Place” and the brooding “Walking Across a Bridge.” Perry gets ample room as well, with strong solo work on “Seoul Soul” and the gentle “Sketch” while the rhythm section cooks on the subtly edgy “Freedom’s Illusion.” Looking for a new guy on the frets? Here’s a winner. Yasou!