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Rob Lockart: Parallel Lives
ByLockart is a Los Angeles-based artist, working in the film and television arenas, in addition to his tenure in the Chris Walden Big Band, where he has contributed memorable and heartfelt solos on Charlie Haden's "Here's Looking At You" and Rodgers and Hart's "You Took Advantage of Me," on the Grammy-nominated Home of My Heart (Origin, 2005).
The three golden rules for an artist's debut CD should be: oneget some real pros to sit in as sidemen; twoassert your own artistic voice; and threeplay your ass off. Put a check mark in all three boxes for Parallel Lives; mission accomplished on all three counts.
Lockart's original title cutsix of the eight tunes are from his penburns with a Michael Brecker-like fire, turning up the heat on a modern sounding cooker. His "Waiting for the Truth," (Lockart on soprano sax), feels as if it was inspired by John Coltrane's A Love Supreme (Impulse!,1964)introspective, mysterious, and darkly haunting.
The rhythm section guys provide stellar accompaniment, especially pianist Bill Cunliffe, with a light, sparkly touch that complements Lockart's adroitly muscular lines. On the closer, "It's Not Over Yet," Lockart brings in tenor saxophonist and fellow Los Angelinan, Bob Sheppard, on a tune that features both horns blowing hard on a modern, dark-hued, hard-driving romp.
Bob Lockart and company shine up the mainstream sound and move it forward. With a first rate saxophone and rhythm section, Parallel Lives is a fantastic debut.
Track Listing
All Or Nothing At All; Nightmare Thief; First Steps; Parallel Lives; Waiting for the Truth; The Last of the Red Note Riders; Everything Happens to Me; It's Not Over Yet.
Personnel
Rob Lockart
clarinetRob Lockart: tenor and soprano saxophones; Bill Cunliffe: piano; Jeff DiAngelo: bass; Joe La Barbera: drums; Bob Sheppard: tenor saxophone (8); Larry Koonse: guitar (5).
Album information
Title: Parallel Lives | Year Released: 2007 | Record Label: Origin Records
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