Los Angeles, February 1st, 2021
Rooted in friendship and mutual respect the massively funky reworking of the 1966 Buffalo Springfield hit “For What It’s Worth” is the latest product of a concept devised in 2016 by contemporary jazz superstar U-Nam and executive producer Vernon Clark.
Titled “Cool Guitars” it took its name from that well-known guitar Accessories Company of which Clark is CEO and comprised seven instrumental tracks played by some of the best guitar players in the business.
Two of those players, U-Nam and the legendary Ronny Jordan(who tragically passed away in 2014 aged fifty one), had been long time musical compadres and when realised that a version of “For What It’s Worth”, although unfinished, had been one of the very last numbers Jordan ever recorded, he and Vernon set about tracking down the original tapes with a view to completing the song in true “Cool Guitars” style.
In his minds eye U-Nam visualised the song as being a duet between him and Jordan. It would be the ultimate homage to a dear friend and an artistic coming together of two artists who throughout their careers had consistently been on the same page.
For them it was less about the commercial imperative and more about the joy of the music and as U-Nam began his work the virtual synergy was both instant and powerful.
Now, in the capable hands of U-Nam and Jordan, aka Cool Guitars.02, “For What It’s Worth” is a high-octane funky delight that never strays from being ultra cool. Add in the likes of Alex Al(Michael Jackson, Brian Culbertson, Dave Koz, Stevie Wonder) on bass and Bill Steinway (The Crusaders, Larry Carlton) on both Fender Rhodes and Hammond B3 and this is a tune that will leave listeners longing to hear more from what is very much a musical family affair.
Indeed they may not have long to wait. “For What It’s Worth”(which is going for adds on 02/08/2021) is simply the first single from the second “Cool Guitars” project that is due out later in 2021.
###