Russell Malone // Love Looks Good On You

Russell Malone

Love Looks Good On You

HighNote

4/5 stars

Guitarist Russell Malone has proven long ago to jazz and guitar lovers, critics, and, most importantly, himself, that he can play a set or even a night full of blistering, note-filled guitar. Time for a change of pace, however, he says and demonstrates on his new album, primarily a warm and wonderful set of melodic balladry, with just a taste of funk, soul, blues, and medium and up-tempo, straight-ahead jazz. It's Malone's first outing for his new label, and for several weeks after its release, was No. 1 on the jazzweek.com Top 50 chart. Standing tall among today's slew of superb jazz guitarists, Malone – when not leading a group – has played on four Grammy-winning albums. Here, heading a fine piano, bass, and drum quartet, Malone's cushioned, easy-on-the-ears tone alone makes this album worth hearing. – Bob Protzman