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MUSIC Songs and Dedications by Jack Pezanelli SAMPLE SONG Norwegian Wood PURCHASE CD www.cdbaby.com REVIEW Local guitarist Jack Pezanelli has just released a magical little surprise. It is a soulful and personal collection of songs dedicated to family, friends and mentors. Although he is known for his impressive jazz chops-enlisted by the likes of Richie Cole, Maynard Ferguson and Shirley Horn-here Pez offers an all-solo guitar program that shows his extensive reach as both a player and a listener. His reharmonization of Willie Nelson's "You Were Always on My Mind," which he dedicates to Ry Cooder is a startling choice and a stunning rendition. From "Norwegian Wood" for fellow guitarist and friend Larry Coryell to "Both Sides Now" for former bandleader Jimmy Giuffre, with "Songs and Dedications" Pezanelli presents his best recording and most artistic statement to date. -Chet Williamson, Arts and Entertainment Editor, Worcester Magazine Pleasured Hands by Jack Pezanelli SAMPLE SONG The Night Has a Thousand Eyes PURCHASE CD www.cdbaby.com REVIEW Straight ahead to be sure, Pezanelli's fluent, solid, clear-toned guitar style bristles with undeniable enthusiasm. Ringed by pianist John Arcaro, drummer Jimmy Madison and bassist Michael Moore, he laces Jim Hall's "Simple Samba" with swift, elegant, long single note lines, and ventures into blues territory on "Fee-fi-fo-fum" and "Born To Be Blue." His solo treatment of "In A Sentimental Mood" profits from tightly voiced chords, crystalline open strings and judicious reharmonization. "Second Look," a double-tracked duet, finds him supplying his own backup, while he swings his way through one well-phrased chorus after another. Throughout, the supporting cast plays skillfully, anchored by Moore's masterful work in F-clef. The only disappointment is the length of the set, which falls short of 20 minutes. -Jim Ferguson, JazzTimes Magazine