GW 942 and 943 reviewed in Just Jazz Guitar

What a great treat these videos are! Pat Donahue is a new name to me. It’s refreshing to see someone interested in pre-war jazz, with the ability to approach these tunes in a modern manner, yet with respect for the originals.

Volume 1 begins with a clip of the Ellington band from 1943 performing “Stormy Weather” with an Ivie Anderson vocal and a glimpse of Fred Guy on guitar. After the video, Donahue plays his version of the tune, then spends considerable time explaining in great detail to the viewer how he approaches and arranges the tune. Above all, it’s important that what he plays sounds good ­ a change from a lot of guitarists today. “Stormy Weather” is followed by “St. Louis Blues” by Bessie Smith and Louis Armstrong’s “You Rascal You.”

In each case, Donahue’s treatment of the song is musical and technically daring. Volume 2 is more of the same with a 1941 clip of Fats Waller and a 1942 clip of boogie woogie greats Albert Ammons and Pete Johnson. Donahue’s
version of the boogie woogie tune “Big Band Bluesy” is awesome His technique is fun to watch and when he explains how he does it, even a budding finger picker like me can get it. These two videos together are fun and educational. If you buy them, you won’t be disappointed.