Larry Carlton - Friends

By the time Larry Carlton recorded Friends, his status as a guitar legend had already been established. In addition to being admired by musicians, he was also loved by Muzak programmers. His blend of happy pop-jazz was the perfect background music for dentist offices. For those who care to listen closer, there is some excellent guitar work being performed. A good example of this would be his creative improvisation on the introduction to "South Town." His duet with B.B. King on "Blues for TJ" is wonderful. It is refreshing to hear two players who are more interested in sharing ideas than showing off. The scat version of "Tequila," courtesy of Al Jarreau, was also interesting. As with most Carlton recordings, there is something here for just about everyone; there's just not enough of it. ~ Robert Taylor, All Music Guide

Name Credits Abraham Laboriel Bass Al Jarreau ?, Vocals, Scat Alex Acuña Percussion Assa Drori Concert Master B.B. King Guitar Bill Reichenbach Jr. Trombone Brian Mann Organ, Synthesizer Charles Loper Trombone Chuck Findley Trumpet Dick Hyde Trombone Don Freeman Piano, Keyboards, Clavinet, Fender Rhodes Don Menza Wind, Woodwind Gary Grant Trumpet Gary Herbig Wind, Woodwind Gordon Berg Woodwind, Wind James R. Horn Flute, Woodwind Jeff Porcaro Drums, Percussion, Vibraphone, Tympani [Timpani] Jerry Hey Trumpet Jim Horn Wind Joe Sample Fender Rhodes, Keyboards Kim Hutchcroft Woodwind, Wind Larry Carlton Engineer, Guitar (Electric), Producer, Bass, Percussion, Piano (Electric), Fender Rhodes, Guitar Larry Hall Trumpet Larry Williams Wind, Woodwind Lew McCreary Trombone Michael Brecker Horn, Saxophone Pat Lobinger Trumpet Paulinho Da Costa Percussion Richard Hyde Trombone Terry Trotter Fender Rhodes, Keyboards