Russell Malone is a godsend. Instead of being a guitar player full of pyrotechnic displays and special effects, he is a musician who plays guitar--a subtle distinction that benefits listeners. Long heralded as a sideman with Diana Krall and Branford Marsalis, Malone has quietly stepped out on his own as a leader. His latest CD finds him in good company, with pianist Anthony Wonsey, bassist Richie Goods, and drummer Byron Landham. It's a given that Malone is influenced by Wes Montgomery, but he also cites Chet Atkins and B.B. King as heroes. Russell combines their styles into his own soulful, swinging signature, which he signs with equal dexterity on the funky "The Angle" and the straight-ahead title track. Malone is at his best as an interpreter of popular songs. His singing versions of "Alfie," "The Odd Couple," and Stevie Wonder's inspirational "You Will Know" highlight his rare ability to expand the melodic content of a composition, while "An Affair to Remember" and "Get Out of Town" groove with light, hip-hop rim shots and Latin tinges. In short, Malone plays the guitar, instead of the other way around. --Eugene Holley Jr.