Lenny Breau - Velvet Touch of Lenny Breau (CD)

Exceptional Performance Revisited!!

By Yahoo! Shopping User  Sep 25, 2000

Originally recorded and released in 1969 by RCA Victor Records, 'Velvet Touch' is one of Lenny Breau’s several masterpieces. For those who were unable to hear this incredible musician while he was living, (he was murdered in Los Angeles in 1984), t...his recording is a chance to hear a magical musician at work. Recorded live at Shelley’s Manne-Hole in Los Angeles, the opening set starts out with ‘Tuning Time’, creating what have been called bell tone like sounds, “gentle musical rain drops”might be more appropriate. It is a pleasurable delight. 'No Greater Love' demonstrates his characteristic double and triple action chording and melodic playing simultaneously. Acoustically, guitar lovers will enjoy Jerry Reed's The Claw for its multiple finger picking chording and melodic lines that are truly dazzling. 'Indian Reflections for Ravi' incorporate acoustic and electric feedback and Middle Eastern influences. The classic 'Bluesette' further demonstrates the smoothness of his multi-level chording and melodic playing. Drummer, Reg Kelln, and bassist, Ron Haldorson, two of Lenny’s frequent accompanists know when to push and pull this music into elaborate areas of improvisation which weave their way from one harmonic and melodic level to another with incredible ease. This author was fortunate enough to see Lenny during this exciting period and witness these marvellous performances. ‘The Velvet Touch…’ provides a living testament of an artist who is as original and fresh sounding today as he was in 1969. Amen! Read more Less