Gentle Time Alone

Ted Dunbar is one of many talented jazz artists who is better known for his teaching career than as a performer, though he had plenty to offer when he took part in an occasional recording session. The guitarist leads a quartet (with bassist Ray Drummond, pianist Mickey Tucker, and drummer David Jones) through nine originals, adding flutist Dotti Anita Taylor on two selections. The comparisons to Wes Montgomery are immediate, with a strong tone and a fluid hard bop feeling. Among the highlights are the upbeat "Land of the Rising Sun" and the funky but intricate "Convergent Blues II." Sadly, this release turned out to be his final recording as a leader prior to his death in 1998. ~ Ken Dryden