Nightfall

A very good guitarist originally from Detroit, Dan Baraszu deserves to be well-known. While he confesses to being influenced by Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, Pat Martino and, to a lesser extent, Pat Metheny, he has his own voice on the instrument. Based in Atlanta where he both freelances and has his own group, Baraszu could hold his own with most jazz guitarists. That seems obvious after hearing the opening selection on Nightfall, his debut CD as a leader. The racing tempo of "April Fools," one of his nine originals on the set, is no problem as Baraszu constructs a melodic and relaxed solo. Joined by a top-notch rhythm section that includes pianist Kenny Banks, Baraszu plays funky on "Ain't Messin' 'Round," swings a medium-tempo minor blues on "Into the Blue," plays guitar synthesizer on "Time Machine," and takes a forgettable vocal on "Summit Drive." The music is primarily straight-ahead and, while not breaking any new ground, Nightfall does introduce Dan Baraszu's fresh approach to the idiom. Recommended.