“Rob Koral, whether filling, adding rhythmic support, or soloing, is superb, his is a talent of world class proportions.”
Bruce Crowther - Jazz Journal International
One of the most individual jazz talents.
Guitarist Magazine
A guitarist of great sensitivity whose elegant playing is always a delight.
Jazz Magazine International
It’s rare nowadays that an individual emerges in a guitar field
Jazz Magazine International
“There is no mistaking the influence of the late Joe Pass on this solo set devoted mainly to standards, but that doesn’t mean that the British guitarist Rob Koral is content simply to follow in his footsteps. Koral has an exceptionally fertile melodic touch – the brief detours into ambient-style improvisations lend the session a touch of Metheny-esque mystery. Hawker and fellow vocalist Zoë Schwarz make fleeting but effective quest appearances, while Koral never ties himself into harmonic knots. Definitely one for the small hours.”
Clive Davis - Sunday Times ‘Culture’ magazine
“…He is a guitarist of unusual sensitivity, a fine melodist in his improvisations as well as his songwriting. All of these are in evidence on his solo album, Sleeping With Angels’, even to Sue and Zoë singing and original each, both memorable. Mostly it consists of delicate and poised ballad performances of such great songs as ‘Like Someone in Love’ and ‘Body and Soul’ – all excellent.”
Ron Simpson – The Jazz Rag
“ **** “solo jazz for last dance lovers”
Rob Koral’s fluid style and gentle touch lend tenderness to some standards here, as well as some less obvious choices. An unplanned recording process seems responsible for the fairly wide variety of feels and moods on this record. Koral’s treatment of the Disney classic Someday My Prince Will Come, for example, is beautifully soothing. In addition to these sensitive solo chord melody pieces Koral shows off his hotter licks and bluesy influences in songs like I Was Looking Back… where we’re treated to some up-tempo jazz blues with smooth soling. There’s even a Clannad-style soundscape called Gabriel’s Army. Despite the broad stylistic palette Koral’s mastery of the instrument weaves it all together.
Standout tracks: Someday My Prince Will Come, Gabriel’s Army”
By BENJI BARTLETT GUITARIST MAGAZINE ISSUE 251
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