For a dazzling display of guitar virtuosity, pick up the new album from John Bruschini, . As You Were..

The guitarist and composer has created a CD of high-energy, exciting jazz that ranges through material including funky fusion grooves and some well-conceived jazz/blues hybrids.

Bruschini claims an impressive musical history, including years performing with the legendary Cecil Taylor, and work with Craig Harris, Dave Douglas, Mose Allison, Makanda Ken McIntyre, Butch Morris, and many more. He has played at numerous Manhattan venues, including The Knitting Factory, S.O.B.. s, CBGB. s and even the Guggenheim Museum. He was featured on the Japanese broadcast of . Live at the Knitting Factory. with Cecil Taylor. s group RADA.

. As You Were. finds the guitarist playing with Jeff Hirshfield on drums, Kip Reed on bass, Robert Aries on keyboards, and Jim Nolet on viola. It. s as tight a band as you can imagine, easily finding grooves that keep the pace with Bruschini. s fast and precise leads.

Bruschini shifts modes on each song, from clear-toned jazz guitar to wailing blues. As a jazz recording,  . As You Were. is both technically impressive and easily accessible to a wide range of listeners. While you may not be able to hum along with the intricate solos, you. ll certainly be inspired.

With Bruschini. s metropolitan pedigree, it. s nice to know that he hails from the Hudson Valley. Stone Ridge. and will be performing here, twice this month, in fact. His next gig, performing with a trio, will be at the Rosendale Café, 434 Main St., Rosendale, on Saturday at 9 p.m. He will return for an outdoor performance at the Senate House in Kingston on July 29.

4 star rating (out of 5)