Following a series of brilliant releases for the Scottish label Linn during the 1990s, the recording of Martin Taylor’s stunning 1998 solo concert at the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild eclipses all of them with performances worthy of comparison to the guitar master Joe Pass. Taylor’s intricate opening version of “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” should hush any naysayers immediately; but his lyrical treatments of great ballads like “Why Did I Choose You?” and “Stella By Starlight” are every bit as breathtaking. Although all of the material should be very familiar to jazz fans, rarely is any of it played with as much finesse by any soloist, let alone a guitarist. The great sound and extremely quiet audience also help to make this CD very highly recommended. – Ken Dryden