Five years in the planning, Sweet Georgia Peach reveals Russell Malone's deep grounding in and appreciation for the long lineage of jazz guitarists. Add to this a wide range of sounds and styles, and you have an album full of both variety and cohesiveness. Favoring a pleasantly round, resonant tone (suggestive of both Kenny Burrell and Pat Metheny), Malone gently swings, rocks, struts, and caresses on a number of original tunes and arrangements. His version of Monk's "Bright Mississippi" finds him and pianist Kenny Barron engaged in a finger-twisting duet. This smooth, hour-long CD showcases Malone's guitar voice and writing style, placing him solidly in the tradition, though, much to his credit, attempting to add something unique and individual to it. --Wally Shoup