Amanda Monaco 4

• Tracklist

From straight-ahead swing to Middle Eastern melodies and avant-garde jazz, the debut album by guitarist Amanda Monaco conveys a warm-hearted, spunky sound on nine originals. Her playing is fresh and original, her compositions eclectic and her quartet, with saxophonist Jason Gillenwater, bassist Fraser Hollins and drummer Jeff Davis, displays a musical empathy far too rare in jazz these days. As guitarist Wayne Krantz said, 'Considering her warm appeal as a musician, jazz guitar is lucky to have Amanda Monaco.' Monaco has studied with Ted Dunbar, Kenny Barron, Ralph Bowen, Rufus Reid, Harold Mabern, John Riley, Steve Wilson and Kenny Burrell. 'Edgy, well-crafted compositions.' - AllAboutJazz.com 'She is a spirited, dedicated guitarist and composer whose creative reach extends through and beyond the jazz idiom. She has remained loyal to the true nature of jazz improvisation by telling great stories on her instrument; her mature phrasing and emotional power are striking.' - David Tronzo, Guitarist.