Bob Bakert, JGT editor: In 1973 I played in a band with an amazing pianist, Joe Azzarello.  Joe had played with Buddy Rich through at least two live records. Joe was a monster player…

At that time, I was not in any way a competent jazz guitarist to play difficult charts. However, I could help sing and stay out of Joe’s way. Not even two years later a 19-year-old Jimmy Bruno was just killing these very sophisticated Buddy Rich charts.  To watch this video it is really amazing to me how deep Jimmy’s talent is.  Watch and enjoy young Jimmy Bruno tearing it up with reputedly one of the toughest band leaders ever.