Featured Artist: Frank Corbi and Kevin Van Sant

CD Title: Tunes from two

Year: 2003

Record Label: Lei'zure Records

Style: Ambient Jazz

Musicians: Frank Corbi (tenor saxophone, clarinet), Kevin Van Sant (guitar, alto guitar)

Review: This album marks the first release in a series of duo recordings by guitarist Kevin Van Sant and other jazz musicians, this time being veteran saxophonist Frank Corbi. A self-taught musician from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Kevin has played professionally around the world since the mid 1990s, while releasing six jazz CD's as a leader or co-leader.

Saxophonist Frank Corbi began performing at age 13, as a member of his father's band. Since he was a young man, he has traveled the US with a number of big bands, and has made appearances with nationally known artists, all while pursuing a career in Music Education. After retiring from public education, Frank began regularly performing at local clubs and restaurants with other jazz groups in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina.

This CD successfully blends the cool, melodious flow of the sax with the absolute delightful playing of acoustic guitar. The two sounds, indeed, complement each other on this album. Playing mostly jazz standards, Kevin and Frank offer a fantastic interpretation of old tunes much loved by jazz fans. Included are two haunting versions of “The Girl From Ipanema,” from which one can truly appreciate the artists’ perception of their craft. The first track, “Fearrington Blues,” written by Van Sant and Corbi, puts me in the mindset of a lazy summer day, sitting on the front porch, drinking lemonade. Indeed, the entire album is atmospheric and sets a tranquil mood within anyone who listens to it – a perfect companion to those late-evening dinners for two.

This album is a must have for anyone who enjoys any combination of acoustic guitar and sax.

Tracks: Fearrington Blues, I Remember You, the Nearness of You, Out of Nowhere, the Girl from Ipanema / Desafinado, Just in Time, Summer in Central Park, East of the Sun, Estate, How Deep is the Ocean, Moonlight in Vermont, Fly me to the Moon, the Girl from Ipanema (Bonus Track)

Artist's Website: http://www.KevinVanSant.com

Reviewed by: Paul Wright

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