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Rob Luft: Life Is The Dancer
ByIt seems like the follow-up to Riser has been an unconscionable time coming. In 2019, Luft co-led an album with tenor saxophonist Dave O'Higgins titled O'Higgins & Luft Play Monk & Trane (Ubuntu), but that was essentially a blowing session, albeit a strong one, as though Luft was taking stock before recording the follow-up proper. Life Is The Dancer is that follow-up and was recorded with the Riser band: tenor saxophonist Joe Wright, keyboardist Joe Webb, bassist Tom McCredie and drummer Corrie Dick. The quartet is augmented on two tracks by trumpeter Byron Wallen and vocalist Luna Cohen. Every aspect of the album is sublime, from the compositions (once more, all originals) through the performances to the production and mix.
Luft is an evolutionary rather than a revolutionary guitarist; his style is grounded on the music of players who have preceded him. He shares several qualities with Pat Metheny, notably heightened lyricism, technical virtuosity and a deft touch with electronic effects. On a track such as the opening "Berlin" (check the YouTube below), his band also creates the same irresistible, four-on-the-floor momentum as the Pat Metheny Group did on "Are You Going With Me?" on Travels (ECM, 1982). Other traces are of the pre-digital electronic pioneer John Martyn, Radiohead and (this might be imagined) Dino Valenti during Quicksilver Messenger Service's circa-1970 pomp. Luft's style is a garden of heavenly delights alright. But it is also his own: once heard, you will not confuse him with any other player.
Life Is The Dancer is balm for the soul and we can always use as much of that as we can get.
Track Listing
Berlin; Life Is The Dancer; All Ways Moving; One Day In Romentino; Tanpura; Synesthesia; Other Wise; Snow Country; Sad Star; Expect The Unexpected.
Personnel
Rob Luft
guitarJoe Webb
pianoJoe Wright
saxophone, tenorTom McCredie
bass, acousticCorrie Dick
drumsByron Wallen
trumpetLuna Cohen
vocalsAlbum information
Title: Life Is The Dancer | Year Released: 2020 | Record Label: Edition Records