"Live at the Jazz Standard" is a captivating jazz album by Austrian guitarist Wolfgang Muthspiel, released in 2010 under Material Records. This 45-minute journey into the world of jazz guitar is a testament to Muthspiel's innovative spirit and his ability to blend improvisational brilliance with a global musical perspective. The album features a duo of clean, jazzy electric guitars, with Muthspiel joined by another world-class guitarist, creating a private laboratory of sound that is both gentle and complex.
The ten-track album includes a mix of original compositions and jazz standards, such as "All the Things You Are," "Darn that Dream," and "Stella by Starlight." Each track showcases the musicians' technical prowess and their ability to create a rich, atmospheric soundscape. From the intricate harmonics and reverb smears of "Throughout" to the minimalistic elegance of "Minimal," the album offers a diverse range of styles and moods.
"Live at the Jazz Standard" has been praised for its adventurous spirit and its status as a guitar duo classic, ranking alongside other notable works in the genre. The album is a must-listen for jazz enthusiasts and guitar aficionados alike, offering a unique and engaging exploration of the jazz idiom.