The Darius Brubeck Quartet: For Lydia and the Lion

On For Lydia and the Lion, the quartet played all the music twice in the studio to replicate the live feel of its concerts. Some of the takes were edited to get the best. After all was played and done, the result is a record that is not only rife with underlying passion, but also possesses a wide spectrum of music that makes for enjoyable listening.

The quartet melds the charming melody and rhythm of "Tsakwe" to a nicety. Mike Rossi draws deeply from the melody and while this nails the thrills, his improvisations cut a deeper furrow of attraction. Brubeck ruminates in the melody before opening a stream of lithe ideas that he pegs with emphatic block chords. The rhythm section adds to the captivation with Wesley Gibbens striking a sprightly beat and Matt Ridley plugging a limber bass line.

"The Lion at the Bar" is a happy creature as the band goes on a rock 'n' roll romp. Brubeck is content to comp behind Rossi who shows some swagger before he digs in and begins to swing. Brubeck comes in to indulge in the melody for all its ripeness, pushing the parameters just enough to add a fetching tensility.

"For Lydia" has a lissome line that is first exploited by Rossi. He impacts it with hard phrasing on his explorations and then revisits the inherent tenderness. Brubeck casts a soft light, his gentle ministrations enhancing the warmth.

For Lydia and the Lion profiles the distinct approach of the Darius Brubeck quartet, and its considerable skill as well.