The evolution of Fingerstyle jazz Guitar continues today with Martin Yalor Tomy Crook Jim Nichols Duck Baker and Woody Mann. Each player has developed a distinctly different approach to interpreting and writing jazz solo Guitar by listening intently to numerous other musicians and composers - Pianists Horn players Bassists and singers as well as many Guitarists in jazz blues and other styles. What distinguishes them from more traditional jazz Guitarists (who more or less function as a linear voice in an ensemble) is their ability to play (or imply) all aspects of the music - rhythm chords bass and melody - without accompaniment. Records by Charlie Byrd Lenny Breau George Van Eps Laurindo Almmieda and Joe Pass have set a very high standard for solo fingerstyle jazz Guitar and it is from this vantage point that the solo flights of Taylor Crooks Nichols Baker and Mann take wing. Their performances not only demonstrate their technical brilliance and imagination they are a testament to the enduring power and beauty of jazz Guitar in its current evolution as a major instrumental force in American music.
