Hey everyone. Long lurked this forum for gear advice and some theory related questions. I've been playing guitar casually for 22 years or so and jazz guitar for almost 17 of those 22 years. I'm a jack of all trades master of none guitar player, and certainly not a master of jazz. But I enjoy playing it along with listening.

Found this video on James Chirillo's youtube channel of two guys named George M. Smith (guitar) and Harry Bluestone (violin) playing some mean Lang/Venuti style jazz.

Fingers crossed this link works.



From the description of the video in Mr. Chirillo's own words:

"George M. Smith and Harry Bluestone were two of the crème de la crème of the LA studio scene from the 1930s and into the '70s. Their virtuosity is unparalleled. Hearing them play their arrangements is a thing of wonder. Bucky Pizzarelli, as he gave me a copy of this recording said, and I quote: "George M. Smith was the greatest guitar player I ever heard." He also said they were recorded privately by the two of them to document their playing for family, etc. and never intended for commercial release."

Interestingly enough, there is a recording of this song, and many more on Spotify from a 1977 album called "Artistry in Jazz" featuring this time Vito Mumolo (guitar and another old studio cat) and Harry Bluestone on (violin).

I have no insight into the connection between George M. Smith and Vito Mumolo and couldn't find anything on google about it, but both the George M. Smith recording and the Vito Mumolo recording from 1977 are great listening to any fan of Eddie Lang/Venuti.

If anyone has any insight on these two particular guitar players, please share it, would be greatly appreciated.