East By Midwest [CD]

The Americana-infused influences Baltimore-based guitarist Charlie Ballantine naturally fell into during his years growing up in Indiana, blend seamlessly with his Indianapolis jazz pedigree - instilled by the residual sounds of Wes Montgomery and Freddie Hubbard in the city's air. Since moving east several years ago, the environment, the new colleagues and the energy lent an added dynamic, displayed here in Ballantine's musical connection with the acclaimed New York drummer, Dan Weiss. Bassist Quinn Sternberg, a decades-long compatriot from Indiana, rounds out the trio, adding his years on the New Orleans music scene to the mix. In the vein of fellow guitarists like John Scofield, Bill Frisell and Julian Lage, Ballantine reconciles his background in jazz with the stylistic background of his instrument the gratifying tonal and harmonic language of rock/roots with the groove, ambition and improvisational focus of a jazz musician - JAZZIZ"A Guitarist teeming with intricate grooves and maniacal precision." - JazzTimes