Lonnie Plaxico: M (2002)

Javier AQ Ortiz

CD/DVD Reviewer since 2001

JAQO's bohemian life eventually led to jazz...

Recent articles (191 total)

Published: April 12, 2002

Lonnie Plaxico’s maturity as a musician comes to the fore in his first release under the jazz banner label Blue Note as Mélange finds him putting together almost 30 years of professional musical experience in a recording that works well.

Plaxico wisely allows the supporting cast of this flecked tale to make the most of their respective roles; hence, the bass playing does not suffer from “featuritis.” With the exception of the opening tune, “Squib Cakes,” the album’s leader wrote the rest of the compositions and the music was written out, offering a consolidated vision, although with enough freedom for the players to enjoy themselves and for the music to breathe openly. Such concocted breathing space does allow the soloists some unforgettable moments, even though the most memorable lines are provided by the overall salutary effect of the entire date, taken as a whole, or “eaten” as a musical mixed sushi dinner. Think of each musical roll, and bite thereof, as an introduction to some familiar tastes, within some striking presentations, mixed and prepared through some untried recipes. Whether or not he can defeat the Iron Chefs of jazz is besides Plaxico’s concern; you, however, can be the judge of that.

Plaxico can play, arrange, compose and record... that much is clear.

Contact: For more information, go to: www.lonnieplaxico.com .

Track Listing: 1. Squib Cakes 2. M

Personnel: Bass & Leader: Lonnie Plaxico. Drums: Lionel Cordew. Keyboards: George Colligan (Piano/keyboards/organ-1,2,5,11), Helen Sung (Piano-3-6, Electric Piano-10). Percussion: Jeffrey Haynes. Tenor Saxophone: Tim Ries (1,2,4,9,10 & Soprano), Marcus Strickland (3,5,6,7,8,11). Trumpets: Jeremy Pelt (3,5,6,7,11), Lew Soloff (1,2,4,9,10).

Record Label: Blue Note Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream