TOLO MARTON
Colors And Notes (VTM)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Tolo Marton first caught my attention in January of 1998 when he took home the honors at the Jimi Hendrix International Guitar Competition with a straightforward rendition of "Red House." He slipped me a CD that night, and I discovered a player who transcended the Hendrix cover clone trap that he could easily have settled for.

His latest, Colors And Notes, shows even greater range and originality. There is, of course, the Hendrix tune ("Pali Gap") that seems obligatory for a player who received the Voodoo Chile Award from Al Hendrix himself, but there's so much more. The predominant color, of course, is blue (as in the blues), but his pallete is far wider. Marton's trademark is a cap with the word jazz emblazoned on it, and it's a fitting image. Behind many of the deceptively simple rhythms he uses for his original compositions lies some remarkable improvisatory guitar work.

Most of the best work here consists of his originals, but his version of "All Along The Watchtower" finds a percussive country shuffle buried within the tune that is somewhat startling but totally pleasing. Other highlights include the full force rave-up "One More Train" and the be-boppish delight "Slim And The Animal."

Released on the Italian label VTM, this one may be hard to find, but it's worth the effort. If you can't get it anywhere else, try Tolo direct by e-mailing jazhat51@iol.it.

Track List:

It's Getting Late * If There Is * Fought To Change * Univibe * Feel Down * Wellcome To America * Pali Gap * Questions * All Along The Watchtower * I'm Going Home * One More Train * Sleepless * Slim And The Animal

© 2000 - Shaun Dale