A few musicians can become stars, but most working musicians tend to be supporting players, either in a band or orchestra, or working as a studio musician. But it has been a long-running tradition that studio musicians, once they reach a certain level, occasionally step out with a solo album that puts their playing in the spotlight, with examples going back to artists like Les Paul, Chet Atkins, and Dwayne Eddy. The 1970s brought a spate of worthwhile instrumental albums from first-call studio players like Larry Carlton, Lee Ritenour, and Robben Ford. This week, we have the debut solo album by a journeyman Los Angeles based guitarist named Steve Gregory, entitled Frolic.

Steve Gregory is the epitome of the studio musician and sideman. He toured extensively with the late Ray Charles, and also Leonard Cohen, and performed with Macy Gray, Patty Austin. Frankie Valli, and Michael Buble. He has also appeared on the soundtracks for numerous films, TV shows and commercials, and has performed with the outstanding jazz big band Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat band.

Now Gregory is out with Frolic which like many past studio guitarist albums features tracks that highlight his versatility with a range of styles. But over the course of its 12 tracks, this album does stick fairly close to the kind of mellow jazz-rock fusion that has been the staple of such projects. He is joined by a number of jazz players, including keyboard man Jeff Babco, who in addition to his jazz work, is part of the band on the Jimmy Kimmel late-night TV show; drummer Ray Brinker, who is a jazz player through and through, and he adds much to the sound of this album. Dan Lutz and Eric Sitter alternate on bass. Gregory is heard on both electric and acoustic guitars, in a group of original compositions that run from soul to folk, to something approaching so-called “smooth jazz.” It’s all nicely done, in a refined but I would say “business-like” manor, with no major left turns, guitar surprises, self-indulgent solos, or shredding.

Opening is a soul-influenced piece called Hey Marvin, which is tastefully done, but comes close to being classy elevator music. <<>>

More laid-back and quite appealing is a composition called New Inspiration. Its slow groove and melodic theme make it quite attractive. <<>>

A bit more haunting in texture is a piece called August 2. With its minor key sound, the melodic line is a bit reminiscent of Blind Faith’s Can’t Find My Way Home. The added percussion is a nice touch. <<>>

The title track, Frolic is a nice self duet with acoustic and electric guitars. The 6/8 rhythm gives it a jig-like quality. <<>>

One of the strongest tracks is Tell Me What You Feel with a great funky groove, and nice playing throughout by Gregory. <<>>

With almost a jam-band quality is Gregory’s composition called December 18 which builds in dynamics to reach a high-point as opposed to most of the album’s other tracks which tend to be on a more even keel. <<>>

Perhaps the most distinctive track on the album is called Smooth It Out, which builds on a looped percussion line, while both Gregory’s guitar and Jeff Babko’s keyboards and get spacey. <<>>

The album ends with kind of gentle musical coda. Winter in California is a short contemplative-sounding piece played on solo electric guitar. <<>>

After almost three decades as a busy studio guitarist and sideman, Steve Gregory steps out with his first solo album, Frolic and it follows the pattern of other solo albums by studio guitarists, fairly easy-going instrumental jazz-rock fusion, with enough stylistic variation to show his versatility and to keep the album interesting. The everything on Frolic is done very well, the musicianship is great throughout, but it is a bit predictable. There is little that has not been done before, including on other albums by studio guitarists. Still, it makes for thoroughly pleasing listening.

Our grade for audio quality is close to an “A” with a nice clean sound, including on the guitars and with a punchy quality to the drums. Interestingly, one of the engineers on the album was Andrew Synowiec, another studio guitarist who released a solo album a while back, and who also plays in Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band.

Those who like quality instrumental guitar albums that are easy on the ears will find Steve Gregory’s Frolic a definite treat.

(c) Copyright 2025 George D. Graham. All rights reserved.
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<<>> indicates audio excerpt played in produced radio review

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