Solo is nothing but Jimmy Bruno, literally. Jimmy arranged this compilation of originals and jazz standards for solo jazz guitar, presenting the listener with the opportunity to hear and enjoy every note. Whether it’s the dynamic swing of “Bennie’s Tune” or the romantic familiarity of “Satin Doll”, Jimmy Bruno digs in deep and demonstrates true mastery of his instrument.

Born in Philadelphia on July 22, 1953, Jimmy Bruno was first exposed to music by his parents at a very early age. His mother was a singer and his father, Jimmy Bruno, Sr., was a notable jazz guitarist who was best known for his performance in 1959 on the hit recording "Guitar Boogie Shuffle" with Frank Virtue and the Virtues. When Bruno was about eight his childhood love for music began to develop when his father brought home what would be Jimmy’s first guitar. As a child, he never had any formal training, but instead absorbed the life altering sounds of Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, John Coltrane and Oscar Peterson.

In 1973, when Bruno was just nineteen, he landed his first big gig when Buddy Rich came to Philly holding auditions for a guitarist. He spent the next year on the road with Buddy, receiving quite a musical education. When he returned to Philadelphia in 1974, he found few gigs as a jazz musician and decided to try his luck playing in Las Vegas, finally settling in Los Angeles as a studio musician. In the end it wasn’t the place or the music he loved. Since his return to Philly in 1988, Jimmy Bruno has created a name that is synonymous with jazz guitar, recording numerous albums for Concord Records and now for Mel Bay Records.

In addition to his new album with Mel Bay Records, Jimmy Bruno has recently been featured in three, live concert DVDs released through Mel Bay Records - Jimmy Bruno: Live at Chris’ Café, Volumes 1 and 2 and Jimmy Bruno and Jack Wilkins: Live at The Theatre. Jimmy is also a Mel Bay author who to date has written several instructional books for six and seven string jazz guitar. Jimmy Bruno is co-chair of the Jazz Guitar Department at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA and is a featured writer for Just Jazz Guitar Magazine.

Reviews

MB3 / Jazz Hits / Volume 1

Release Date: December 2006

Jazz guitar traditionalists of the world unite - or at least take note of this triumvirate of six-string masters as they explore a selected catalog of perennial jazz classics.
      Peter Margasak
      DownBeat

MB3 provides tasteful and masterful renditions of jazz standards in an exquisite setting of rhythm and lead guitars weaving in and out of the melodies. In what could easily have been a traffic jam, masters Jimmy Bruno, Vic Juris and Corey Christiansen handle the logistics of this task with aplomb and alacrity.
      George Harris
      All About Jazz / Los Angeles

My conspectus is, this is a CD, fearless, provocative and innovative. You will find brilliance, great musicianship, and the determination of three master guitarists. They endeavored to not only change the music, but to make it better. And I must admit, they did it!
      Dee Dee McNeil
      Cadence

What's better than one excellent jazz guitarist or even a jazz guitar duo? Well, how about a jazz guitar trio, a rare instrumental lineup being explored by Jimmy Bruno, Vic Juris and Corey Christiansen?
      Richard Harrington
      The Washington Post

One for the guitar freaks out there, but certainly no novelty
      Tad Hendrickson
      JazzWeek

A good blending of musical personalities producing fine music
      Vince Lewis
      Just Jazz Guitar

On this superb CD, Jimmy Bruno picks up where Joe Pass left off in playing unaccompanied solo guitar. Without overdubbing or using a tapping technique, Bruno plays melody lines, harmonies and bass patterns, often simultaneously. His interpretations of nine standards and two originals are concise, melodic and purposeful, moving forward and developing to logical conclusions. Bruno's technique does not overwhelm the songs yet it permits him to express himself at a high level, both technically and creatively. Jimmy Bruno is usually heard in groups, making this solo outing a special event. Highly recommended.

      Scott Yanow       All Music Guide