RUSSELL MALONE
Sweet Georgia Peach (Impulse)
Rating: 4 out of 7 
By Ken Micallef

   Russell Malone’s soulful jazz guitar recalls swinging ’60s stars like Wes Montgomery and the pre-"Breezin’" George Benson. Dark-hued, lustrous, and glowing, Malone’s fat tone and graceful arrangements evoke an era when jazz was the real thing, downtown club music as connected to the street as today’s hip-hop. 
   Peach breaks no new ground, but offers lots of meaty munching for those on a laid-back jazz diet. Drummer Lewis Nash, pianist Kenny Barron, and bassist Ron Carter create a relaxed vibe for Malone, a world class player feeling his oats among equally gifted musicians. The title track is a grits-and-gravy funk treat with Benson flavoring; "For Toddlers Only" is humorous Green Acres swing; and "Mugshot" provides some heat to the proceedings, a deft tune with Pat Martino-ish phrasing. 
   Some may prefer their jazz with more spice and sass, but Sweet Georgia Peach is easy jazz listening for lazy autumn evenings.