The master of the seven-string guitar (which he invented) and a studio musician since the 1930s, George Van Eps only had rare chances to lead his own record dates. In fact, this classic album was his only recording as a leader during 1950-1965. Van Eps is heard playing in three settings: with a quiet rhythm section, a nonet arranged by Paul Weston, and a subtle string orchestra. Because he always came up with the most beautiful chords in the world, Van Eps' playing throughout this set is quite delightful, performing ten standards (including "I'll Remember April," "Let's Do It," "Have You Met Miss Jones?," and "The Boy Next Door") and his own "Lost Canyon" and "Tango el Bongo." Although some may think of this as easy listening music, a close listen reveals the intricate creativity of the great George Van Eps.
Scott Yanow
Source : https://www.allmusic.com/album/mellow-guitar-mw0000672147
George Van Eps
Mellow Guitar
Tracks
1 I'll Remember April (Raye, De Paul, Johnston) 3:50
2 What is This Thing Called Love ? (Porter) 2:17
3 Let's Do it (Porter) 2:17
4 Yesterdays (Harbach, Kern) 2:14
5 They Can't Take That Away From Me (Gershwin, Gershwin) 2:45
6 S'Wonderful (Gershwin, Gershwin) 2:25
7 Have You Met Miss Jones (Rodgers, Hart) 2:15
8 Tango El Bongo (Van Eps) 2:38
9 Dancing on the Ceiling (Rodgers, Hart) 2:29
10 Lost Canyon (Van Eps) 3:08
11 The Boy Next Door (Martin, Blane) 2:54
12 I Never Knew (Kahn, Rito) 2:36
*
Personnel
George Van Eps - g
Joe Howard - tb
Babe Russen, Ted Nash - wdwnds
Frank Flynn - vb
Jack Ryan. Morty Cobb, Phil Stephens - b
Nick Fatool, Jack Sperling - dr
Alvin Stoller - bng
Paul Weston - arr & cond.
Recorded in Hollywood, California ; August 1956