Search - George Van Eps, Howard Alden :: Hand Crafted Swing

Should be in any guitar fan's collection

Don Steiny | Santa Cruz, CA USA | 03/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I saw "Sweet and Lowdown" I wanted to track down whoever it was that was playing guitar. It was Howard Alden. I ordered 4 CD's of his music and this one is my favorite. He is playing with George Van Eps, who I was familiar with as one of the great swing guitarists playing forever ago with Red Narvo and others. There are two songs that especially stand out, Can't We Be Friends and Li'l Darlin'. Occasionally you hear a song and that is how the song goes forever, no one else quite plays it right. I suspect that these will the definitive versions of these song to me. In fact, I am going to listen to the now . . ."

Amazing music

J. Stevens | Gaithersburg, MD | 09/26/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a blast. Truly remarkable the fullness of the sound with only two guitars, bass and drums. George Van Eps plays in a unique style, definitely reminiscent of older style swing. Alden shows the influence of folks like Howard Roberts (another artist that never got the acclaim he is entitled to). I highly recommend that you give this a listen. I cannot believe how George does what he does! I used to play (poorly) an electric guitar in a rock band and if you have played one, you will appreciate the virtuosity of both, especially George Van Eps."

Smooth as silk

Philip Gardner | Melbourne, Australia | 01/28/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Beautiful playing from two masters. George Van Eps has a long history of playing full, tasteful chords and doesn't disappoint. Howard Alden is one of the best players on the planet. Together, playing gentle standards, they are superb. Highly recommended."