Paul Bollenback - Brightness of Being (2006)

Paul Bollenback's emotionally expressive style and eclectic approach is the result of a wide range of influences, including Carlos Santana, Wes Montgomery, George Benson, Kenny Burrell, Herbie Hancock, Bill Evans, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, John McLaughlin, Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Winter and Lenny Breau.
One of the most reliably swinging, pyrotechnic players on the jazz scene over the past decade, guitarist Paul Bollenback casts a wide net on his sixth recording as a leader, turning in adventurous and eminently hip interpretations of tunes from the realms of pop, r&b, country and classical music. Few other musicians would even think about including material from Puccini’s Tosca alongside Ray Charles hits and tunes by the likes of Stevie Wonder, Neil Young and classical guitarist Ernesto Garcia de Leon on a single record. But the open-minded guitarist and bandleader not only manages to bridge the gaps, he also puts his own stamp on this wildly diverse collection so that ultimately it all sounds truly of a piece. … more

Track listing:
01. Together.mp3
02. Unchain My Heart.mp3
03. Don't You Worry 'bout A Thing.mp3
04. Breathe.mp3
05. You Don't Know Me.mp3
06. 7 a.m. Special.mp3
07. El Desierto.mp3
08. Dark Eyes of Floria Tosca - Pt. 1.mp3
09. Dark Eyes of Floria Tosca - Pt. 2.mp3
10. Dark Eyes of Floria Tosca - Pt. 3.mp3
11. Philadelphia.mp3
12. Siberian Passages.mp3

Personnel:
Paul Bollenback: guitars
David "Fathead" Newman: tenor saxophone (2,5)
Gary Thomas: tenor saxophone(1,3,6,8-10)
Tim Garland: sopranon saxophone (4,7), tenor saxophone(1,3,12), bass clarinet(7)
James Genus: bass;
Terri-Lyne Carrington: drums (1,3,6,7,8-10,12)
Ari Honnig: drums (2,4,5,11)
Chris McNulty: voice (4,7,11,12)