Turn Up The Quiet

All the makings of a classic here - great stuff. (Jeff Holtz, WIUM, Macomb, IL)

Ron Gill's dusky vocals prove a fine match for John Stein's smooth, classy jazz guitar. Reminiscent of a young Tony Bennett, Gill is a romantic who gets straight to the heart of a lyric and understands the dynamics of the duet, including not only how to phrase seductively, but also when not to sing and allow the instruments to complete his thoughts. Stein, with his simple but elegant chording and intricate riffing, never sees a need to push yet neither is his role that of a sideman -- the symbiotic relationship of musician to singer is front and center at all times. (Jeff Tamarkin, allmusic.com)

Ron Gill and John Stein find their love of fine songs turn them to dancing with words, lofting pretty chords, and capturing passionate ideas about togetherness. Collaboration - so often a tricky treat, a windy street - they negotiate openhandedly with wit and diplomacy . . . Stein, a subtle and sensitive guitarist, has many sharp arrows in his quiver, with varied, song-rich albums and an enduring presence in Boston's lively jazz scene. He can make a note sing and a chord ring like Kenny Burrell, and always thinks "melody first" . . . Few singers in my ken capture the innocent simplicity of great songs as well as Ron Gill. His voice is immediately endearing and convincing: his blatant honesty charms the dots off snake-eyes . . . Three's no crowd with their inviting aboard Gilad Barkan's bright voice on piano. Check out his nifty melodizing . . . and his earthy interplay with Stein's bass. (Fred Bouchard, from the liner notes)

John Stein, guitar and acoustic bass; Ron Gill, vocals; Gilad Barkan, piano.