After nine years with the eclectic David Grisman Quintet, flutist Matt Eakle was given the opportunity to step out with his first solo album, and he makes the most of it with Flute Jazz. Employing a drummerless trio format, Eakle mixes his own original compositions with standards and tasteful jazz covers to produce an excellent showcase for his fine flutin'. His classically influenced tone is warm and airy, his original melodies are fresh yet familiar, and his improvisations are creative, incorporating inventive melodic twists and trilling, slurring, flutter-tongued effects. Eakle's musical partners are superb as well. Acoustic guitarist Davis Ramey provides sympathetic chordal accompaniment and well-conceived solos, while bassist Harvie Swartz nimbly slips, slaps and slides across his doghouse's full range. The recording itself is beautiful, giving the instruments a naturally dry, reverbless sound, as though the three players were actually in the room with the listener. This is totally acoustic music of the highest quality, recommended without reservation. ~ Jim Newsom Includes liner notes by David Grisman & Matt Eakle. Personnel: Matt Eakle (flute, bass flute). Audio Mixers: David Grisman; Larry Cummings. Liner Note Authors: David Grisman; Matt Eakle. Photographer: D. Brent Hauseman. Personnel: Matt Eakle (flute); Davis Ramey (guitar); Harvie Swartz (bass). JazzTimes (6/99, p.119) - "...There's plenty here to get excited about....offers excellent insight into [Eakle's] lilting lyricism..."
1 Gran's Blues 2 Secret Love 3 Love in Provence 4 Simple Matter 5 Memories of Tomorrow 6 Troubled Thoughts 7 Like Someone In Love 8 Pra Dizer Adeus 9 Flute Jazz 10 Speak Low 11 My Flower 12 I Love You 13 Monk Asks Billy for a Smoke