Jimmy Raney - But Beautiful (Criss Cross, 1990)

Jimmy Raney, guitar
George Mraz, bass
Lewis Nash, drums

Recorded: December 5, 1990
Manhattan Recording Studio
Engineer: Max Bolleman

Jimmy Raney rose to prominence in the jazz world in the mid 1950s, cutting sides for Vogue, Prestige and ABC Paramount. Like most artists with a lengthy playing career, he experienced the ebbs and flows of the jazz business. That qualified him to make several "comebacks" that had nothing to do with regaining his chops (which he never lost). Gaps in discographies are inevitable; when recording opportunities return, both the artist and the audience are rewarded.

Raney's comeback in the 1970s included important recordings for MPS and Xanadu, but the 1980s comeback was even more fertile, with numerous albums recorded for SteepleChase and Criss Cross. These European labels afforded Raney (and his son Doug, also a guitarist) the finest studios and production resources. Jimmy Raney's trio and quartet albums for Criss Cross are perhaps the best of his career.

But Beautiful is outstanding. Track by track, Raney and his mates lay down articulate lines on mostly standard fare. It's not easy to single out particular tracks because the level of excellence is consistent throughout the 68 minutes of playing time. Even the inclusion of a second take of "Long Ago and Far Away" is justified, especially since take 2 sits at track position 9 (of 10) while take 1 opens the album. 

I am always amazed by Raney's speed, articulation, tone, and the ideas that his marvelous technique allows him to express. Anyone coming to Raney's Criss Cross and SteepleChase albums for the first time has a treat in store. 

But Beautiful also benefits from the artistry of bassist George Mraz. My collection of jazz recordings finds his name appearing on dozens of my favorite albums. In the trio format, his role is easy to appreciate. Likewise, Lewis Nash is the perfect drummer for a guitar trio. 

I can't say enough about the quality of this and Raney's other albums. Listen for yourself, especially if you fancy yourself as a guitarist. 

My reviews of two of Raney's 1980s Criss Cross albums can be found at:

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