Glenn Rexach

Living Joe to Joe

It’s the luminous, shimmering tone that catches you right off, the opening salvo to the title track that lures you into this Austin jazz guitarist’s debut album. The tune is a celebration of caffeine, a rich, smooth brew but one that eschews the elixir’s often jagged edges. That’s not to say that Glenn Rexach can’t get a bit gnarly when he wants to. His penchant for the likes of Jeff Beck and Wayne Krantz makes itself evident on more angular, sonorous fare like “Electric Drunk” and “Fuzzy Undulating Logic.” Rexach demonstrates a gentler, more melodic side on “A.D.,” a heartfelt tribute to late Austin drummer A.D. Mannion. He’s joined on this live-yet-studio-quality-sounding trio date by veterans Steve Zirkel on bass and drummer Brad Evilsizer. It’s a pleasure to finally have this always tasteful but often overlooked local stalwart stretching out in the spotlight.

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This article appears in July 13 • 2007.

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