This 1976 follow-up session once again brings together Byrd, Kessel, and Ellis, ably backed by Byrd's rhythm section of drummer Wayne Phillips and Joe Byrd on string bass. All three are heard spurring each other on "Lover," "Cow Cow Boogie," "Amparo," and "Outer Drive," while Ellis and Kessel perform a lazy, laid-back duet on "Makin' Whoopee." Byrd plays solo on "Green Dolphin Street" and "Body and Soul," and the session finishes up with a romping medley of Django's "Nuages," a Wes Montgomery-like "Goin' Out of My Head," and Benny Goodman's "Flying Home," once again featuring all three. A spirited and buoyant session of grade-A guitar playing. ~ Cub Koda
Rovi
The second Great Guitars album features guitarists Charlie Byrd, Barney Kessel, and Herb Ellis matching wits and generally inspiring each other throughout this studio set. The trio, along with bassist Joe Byrd and drummer Wayne Philips, are heard together on four numbers (best are "Lover" and Ellis "Outer Drive"); Ellis and Kessel duet on "Makin Whoopee"; Byrd has two features to himself; and a medley combines together short versions of "Nuages" and "Goin Out of My Head" with the typically exuberant "Flying Home." A fine all-around effort. ~ Scott Yanow
Rovi