Two Guitars, One Friendly Duel
Carlton and Matsumoto trade licks like old friends who never ran out of things to say.
Take Your Pick is a guitar album built on a pairing rather than a leader. Larry Carlton and Tak Matsumoto share the front line, and the record's character comes from how the two of them play off each other. Matsumoto is the Japanese guitarist best known for his long run with B'z, and his tone here is bright and clean, while Carlton brings the warm, behind-the-beat phrasing he has been refining for decades. Neither player tries to dominate, which is why the album works as a conversation instead of a showcase.
The session leans on a horn section and a rhythm team that keep things moving without crowding the guitars. Michael Rhodes anchors the low end on bass, and Billy Kilson adds drive on the kit. The horns, including saxophonists Mark Douthit and 武田和大 and trumpeter Mike Haynes, give the arrangements a big-band bounce that frames the guitar exchanges. It is a pop-leaning jazz record, built on tight arrangements and hooks, so if you want dense harmonic adventure, look elsewhere.
The album was a commercial success in Japan, debuting at number 2 on the Oricon weekly chart, and it won a Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Album along with a Japan Gold Disc award for Jazz Album of the Year. For listeners coming to Carlton, it is a fine entry point into his later work with a partner, though his earlier records are more essential. Matsumoto fans will find it a friendly, accessible showcase of his playing outside the rock context. It is not a major statement, but it is a well-made, enjoyable meeting of two guitarists who clearly enjoyed the company.
Who's playing
Michael Rhodesbass
松本孝弘guitar
Larry Carltonguitar
武田和大saxophone
渡辺ファイアーsaxophone
Mark Douthitsaxophone
上石統trumpet
Mike Haynestrumpet
東條あづさtrombone
Barry Greentrombone
Jeff Babkokeyboard
Billy Kilsonmembranophone
