Schmaltz

"The idea was to make a big, fun guitar record," says Jeff Calvin, and the result is "Real Gone". Guitarist Calvin, keyboardist Chris Novak, bassist Andy Alonso, and drummer David Santana whip together ten instrumental tunes that range from swing to funk to surf to straight-up blues, each song set in place, jewel-like, by producer Gary Greyhosky.

"Fluffy," a song "named after a cat," is a twangy swing tune; "Pompous Circumstance" an organ-driven funk blast. "Session at Pete's Pad" is a Henry Mancini number from the great Peter Gunn soundtrack, a tasty slice of melodic swing.

"Butterface" takes us back to the blues in a slightly twisted form; "Fiesta Chicken" is the record's centerpiece, a technicolor spaghetti-western theme. "Lullaby of the Leaves" is the familiar standard, using the Chet Atkins arrangement; a beautiful melody played sweetly by the quartet.

"I Am Pleased That You Liked the Gorilla" is the surf number, all crashing guitars and gnarly waves.

"Schmaltz" is a beautiful country-style ballad with pedal-steel bends and a gorgeous Chris Novak piano solo. "Hoochiemama" is the other straight-up blues number here, with a nod to Lonnie Mack. And the closer is "Cojonitos," a Carlos-esque midtempo number, stirring and lovely.

"We took our time, worked song-by-song to make them great, and while it took a bit longer, I'm incredibly proud of this record," said Calvin. "It wouldn't have worked without this specific team - these players are the absolute best around" he said of Novak, Alonso, and Santana. "I could not have been more fortunate in lining up musicians to play this music."

He also credits producer Gary Greyhosky for his efforts. "Gary took on much more than just a producer roll, he brought a truckload of ideas and a 100% positive attitude to every session. Gary is a musician himself, and he influenced arrangements and solos and everything else that went into this record."

"Real Gone" is an instrumental joy front-to-back, loaded with tasty soloing and sympathetic accompaniment, each number beautifully recorded and mixed, and not to be missed by connoisseurs of fine American guitar music.

- Dusty McCormack