Great Guitars Featuring Martin Taylor and Ulf Wakenius

JGT contributor Joe Barth reports on an evening of great guitar.

Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley in Seattle was filled with guitar players and other jazz aficionados anticipating an evening of guitar artistry and fireworks. A version of the Great Guitars was in town and scheduled.  As Martin Taylor and Ulf Wakenius took the stage, expectancy and a little disappointment filled the hearts of the listeners, for Bireli Lagrene was to have been there as well, but because he had fallen and seriously sprained his wrist, he could not play.  Bireli was missed, but Martin and Ulf did a great performance.

To highlight a few of the songs, they began with a duet of the Beatles’ “With a Little Help from My Friends” where most of the melodic work was handled by Martin’s smooth chord melodies. After a Henry Mancini tune, they paid tribute to the great Barney Kessel.  Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” and “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” were performed, as well as Norah Jones’ “Don’t Know Why.”  Martin’s solo rendition of “Someday My Prince Will Come” and Ulf’s solo medley showcased each of their virtuosic artistry. All in all, the audience was very satisfied with the duet’s performance.  We wish a speedy recovery to Bireli as his wrist heals. 

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