I Can Pick My Friends Review by
Ken Dryden
Full-time jazz educators don't always get opportunities to record as leaders, though many of them, like guitarist Chris Buzzelli, are deserving of them. After recording his debut for Schoolkids, Buzzelli took matters into his own hands, making a CD for his own self-titled label. This is hardly what one would label as a vanity project. In addition to having formidable chops himself, Buzzelli enlisted the services of three visiting guitarists (heard separately on three tracks apiece): Gene Bertoncini, Jack Wilkins, and Randy Johnston, so it's obvious that his fellow instrumentalists are more than aware of his talent. Buzzelli's intimate duets with Bertoncini include a samba-flavored "Angel Eyes" and a shimmering take of "Emily," Wilkins joins him for the bittersweet ballad "Blame It on My Youth" and Buzzelli's funky waltz "Islip in Fall," while Johnston is onboard for the slowly savored "Where or When" and a romp through "It's Almost Like Being in Love." Throughout each of these meetings, there's a feeling of old friends getting together to play for themselves. The pieces the leader saves for himself are gems as well. The lively bossa nova arrangement of "Be My Love" and the peppy original "Steppin' in It" round out this highly recommended CD.
