What follows is a small, unpolished gold nugget for the ears. And for the years. Six minutes and seven strings: George Van Eps, solo, at the Downbeat, a New York City restaurant / jazz club. My source says 1967 or 8, but I am guessing a little later, given newspaper accounts. The two songs are A LOVE SONG FOR JO (his devoted wife) and MOUNTAIN GREENERY.
As is the case with so many rarities I’ve been digitizing, some distortion — thanks to the chemical limitations of acetate recording tape — and some chatter — thanks to steaks and Scotch, I wager — are yours free of charge. My ears got used to both, and Van Eps — inventing and re-inventing the guitar as “a lap piano,” is the wonder of the age. Play it for the children, too — especially those who think that the history of the guitar began when they started lessons.
May your happiness increase!
JAZZ LIVES 