24/03/0006 Peter Quinn - Jazzwise

Tony Smith's fourth solo album will undoubtedly add lustre to this fine guitarist's reputation. The 10-track collection, all either penned or co-written by Smith, showcases his inimitable qualities: coruscating solos, a forceful signature sound and his versatility across a range of settings. Based on an archetypal four-bar soul chord progression, 'Do You?' is the perfect album opener, allowing first Jason Rebello and then the guitarist himself to wail over the top of its in-the-pocket groove. Other standouts include 'Them and Us' cast in a much-disguised yet deeply funky 5/4 time, 'Rang Tang' which cleverly plays around with two different feels in the same time signautre, the hip-hop groove of the verse segueing seamlessly into the Steely Danesque bridge, and 'Bella', a reworking of a tune from Smith's debut Big Cat, which provides a contemporatry take on the Blue Note soul jazz vibe. A trio of songs nicely breaks up the seven instrumentals: the title track featuring Gary Poole, 'It's Over' sung by Sarah-Jane Morris and the pick of the bunch, 'It Don't Mater', a blues which Ian Shaw tears into with his customary elan. If you're into killer hooks, burning guitar playing and music-making with a bit of passion and energy, then Loyalty is a must-have.