Howard Alden at Smithsonian
Gene Floersch | Melbourne Beach, FL United States | 12/12/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This DVD is an excellent opportunity to watch Howard work his Benedetto 7-string guitar through an impressive collection of jazz tunes, including a few from Woody Allen's film "Sweet and Lowdown". The cut of Howard playing a solo rendition of Django Rheinhardt's "Tears" will make any guitar player cry in their beer, the dude truly has magic fingers. I recommend this DVD to anyone who loves jazz guitar and especially to guitar players who want to see a master of strum technique close up."
Howard Alden, Master of the Seven-String Guitar
Michael C. Harris | Moorpark, Ca USA | 01/19/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This fine DVD presents jazz guitarist Howard Alden in a trio setting at the Smithsonian Jazz Cafe (in Washington, DC). The performance consists of a mixture of solo and ensemble pieces. Some of the ensemble pieces feature solo introductions. The pieces are jazz standards, but played with outstanding originality and harmonic inventiveness.
I recommend this DVD to anyone with an interest in jazz guitar, especially those intrigued, as I am, by the seven-string. Mr. Alden's monster technique truly illustrates what the instrument is all about, whether playing a tribute to George Van Eps or laying down blistering solos. His solos are noteworthy in that they combine the expected single-string work with chordal elements in unexpected and highly effective ways. The DVD is musically outstanding.
What to be aware of: The videography is not up to the musical standard Mr. Alden sets. Transitions from color to black and white and back are overused. A woman who is apparently Mr. Alden's wife sings on a couple of tunes. Her talent is not in the same class as Mr. Alden's and the DVD would not have suffered without her. Despite those minor shortcomings, I highly recommend this opportunity to see a master at work for an extremely reasonable price."