While many of San Francisco's most talented young jazz musicians emigrated to New York in the late '90s, guitarist Will Bernard stayed put, establishing diverse gigging bands and recording fine albums that sailed under the radar. However, Bernard breaks through with greater visibility on the superb "Party Hats," a groove-infused album that showcases his six-string prowess as an imaginative arranger and improviser, especially on tunes like the ebulliently catchy "Ripple Sole," the funky "Folding Green" and the blues-steeped, slow-swaying title track. "Party Hats" marks a welcomed return for Bernard, who deserves higher recognition as one of jazz's hardest working and most gifted guitarists. —Dan Ouellette