Mimi Fox

Perpetually Hip is jazz guitarist Mimi Fox’s double-CD debut on rock guitarist Steve Vai’s label, Favored Nations Cool (yes—the Steve Vai). Fox, named by Down Beat as a “Rising Star” in 2003, 2004 and 2005, is, quite simply, a fantastic guitarist, worthy of investigation by anyone in love with the guitar and those who master it. Disc one features Fox with her back-up band—Xavier Davis on piano, Harvie S on bass, Billy Hart on drums and Michaelle Goerlitz on percussion—on some Fox originals and a few covers. Fox’s interpretation of Alan Bergman’s “So Many Stars,” for one, is sensitive, inspired and inspiring. Disc two is Fox solo, covering well-known standards in her distinct way. Duke Ellington’s “Caravan” finds Fox pulling out many stops and chops, always fresh, never boring. Her medley of “Someone to Watch Over Me/ Skylark” is filled with lovely and well-executed musical ideas.