Concierto
Jim Hall
1975 [CTI]

A popular reissue thanks largely to the presence of cool icons Paul Desmond and Chet Baker. Although Hall's guitar shines throughout, the centrepiece of the record is a 19-minute arrangement of Rodrigo's 'Concierto de Aranjuez'. The remainder consists of a mix of standards and originals that are sure to please fans of this fine jazz guitarist.

Bright Size Life
Pat Metheny
1975 [ECM]

Guitarist Metheny's earliest studio album is a trio date likely to appeal to those who like to keep it intimately simple. It also has the added bonus of featuring a young Jaco Pastorius on bass, although there is little doubt that this is Metheny's show. Those only familiar with Metheny's more popular outings may want to check this one out.

Elegant Gypsy
Al DiMeola
1976 [Columbia]

While still a member of Chick Corea's Return to Forever, lightning guitarist DiMeola struck out on his own for a second time. Gypsy would prove a commercial winner, attracting attention from both rock and jazz audiences. The real gem, however, is probably the acoustic duet 'Mediterranean Sundance' with future cohort Paco de Lucía.

Timeless
John Abercrombie
1974 [ECM]

While recording for ECM Abercrombie began a decade-long stint as one of the most influential guitarists in jazz. This is his first for the label, a trio effort with Jan Hammer taking up organ, synth and piano. Drummer Jack DeJohnette rounds out the lineup, with the music ranging from up-tempo fusion to introspective ECM soundscapes.

Offramp
Pat Metheny Group
1981 [ECM]

Made at a time when guitarist Metheny's group (featuring Lyle Mays) was a huge concert drawcard, Offramp is a typically laid-back affair with some interesting twists. Mays' keyboards, however, might sound far too synthesised to many - with fusion's lifespan well and truly at a dead end. Percussionist Nana Vasconcelos manages to add some life.

Ask the Ages
Sonny Sharrock
1992 [Axiom]

Sonny Sharrock's last album before his premature death in 1994 is a searing avant-garde masterpiece of freedom and adventure. Sharrock's electric guitar combines with Pharoah Sanders' tenor on six stirring originals, the highlights being 'Who Does She Hope To Be?' and the roof-raising 'Many Mansions'. Not for the meek and mild.

Beyond the Missouri Sky
Charlie Haden & Pat Metheny
1996 [Verve]

Some of the most wondrously intimate jazz guitar ever put to disc. Missouri natives Metheny and Haden decided to explore their roots together, aiming to put together a set of allusive melodies that would allow for plenty of scope. The result is an album peppered with folk, country and even a couple of themes from Cinema Paradiso.

A Go Go
John Scofield
1997 [Verve]

Scofield seems to be relishing his teaming with the Medeski, Martin & Wood trio on this enjoyable late-90s set. Often straying into funk-rock territory, Scofield's impeccable jazz credentials shine through. Lots of ultra-fun groovin' and jammin' ranks this as Scofield's best set, although 1993's Hand Jive on Blue Note isn't far behind.