Rick Stone Trio
Fractals
Jazz And Records
www.jazzand.com
By George W. Harris

Cool-toned guitarist Rick Stone teams up with Marco Panascia/b and Tom Pollard/dr for some lithe mainstream music that is reminiscent of Grant Green’s classic Blue Note Sessions. Clean fingerwork abounds on standards like “Darn That Dream” and “Stella By Starlight” while his own grooving “Key Lime Pie” has an irresistible snap. The rhythm team gels best on the clever “Nacho Mama’s Blues” while an obscure Billy Strayhorn piece “Ballad for Very Sad and Very Tired Lotus Eaters” spotlights Stones lyrical approach to the six strings. Lots to like here.