The Jazz Channel Presents Earl Klugh
Ever since George Benson discovered him in the '70s, acoustic guitarist Earl Klugh has been a major force in contemporary jazz, thanks to his Blue Note, Liberty, and Warner Bros. recordings. On this segment filmed at the BET on Jazz studios in Washington, D.C., Klugh is backed by a superb combo consisting of drums, electric bass, keyboards, percussion, and saxophones, and he delivers a scintillating hour-plus set of quiet storm jazz. Klugh's Chet  Atkins-inspired solos provide the melodic seasoning on his hits like the  light funk numbers "Wiggle Wiggle" and "Mount Airy Road"; his  Latin/Caribbean tunes "Livin' Inside Your Love" and "Dr. Macumba," and his  bebop-like swing composition "Take It from the Top." Klugh's romantic side  comes through on the beautiful ballad "Rayna," and his radio-friendly  grooves illuminate the catchy "Private Affair." Shot in crystal-clear color, Klugh and company look good and sound good with their cutting-edge music for the heart and the hips.--Eugene Holley Jr.