Cape Ann

Peter Calo's delightful instrumental album, Cape Ann, was recorded in between his work on two records by Carly Simon, 1994's Letters Never Sent and 1997's Film Noir. Simon says "What a joy and what a find!" about her guitarist in the accompanying booklet, and for fans who go all the way back to his 1982 jazz group Bellvista's four-song EP, The Painter, or 1983's Spoonerism by the Peter Calo Band, this is a unique and exciting setting for Calo. The virtuoso guitarist brings forth creative bursts and ideas over 14 titles, many in the four-minute range. Outside of sounds from his own voice as an instrument on "Candlelight" or Bob Patton's soprano sax on track four, "Pashka," the CD is filled with bright, lightly played guitar improvisations. Each melody has its own distinct character and is very pleasant. "The Devil's Game" and "Early Sunday Bells of Summer" clock in at one minute and 55 seconds and one minute and 57 seconds, respectively, the former acting as a nice bridge between longer essays, while "Early Sunday Bells of Summer" brings the CD to a close. A photo of Calo on the rocks of Cape Ann with the water behind him reflects the easy mood of this new age/jazz solo instrumental album. Very pleasant.