Karl Latham: Living Standards II

Karl Latham's Living Standards II offers a daring sonic voyage, boldly blending jazz and classic rock into a transformative musical journey. Following its predecessor, Living Standards (Dropzone Jazz Records, 2016), Latham's quintet breathes remarkable new life into rock anthems, reimagining them as inventive jazz fusion pieces.

The album's impressive ensemble—including bassist Mark Egan, guitarist Mitch Stein, keyboardist Henry Hey, vibraphonist Wolfgang Lackerschmid and percussionist Roger Squitero deconstructs iconic rock tracks into musical dialogues that transparently surpass customary boundaries.

For jazz aficionados, the fusion of classic rock might initially seem like an unexpected departure. Purists may find the aggressive guitar solos more jarring than captivating. However, those open to genre-bending interpretations will discover profound musical reinterpretations of songs like The Doors' "Break On Through (To The Other Side)" and Led Zeppelin's "What Is And What Should Never Be." Steppenwolf's "Magic Carpet Ride" opens with a New Orleans-style second-line groove before evolving into a funky beat, featuring Stein's crunchy chord progressions and dynamic soloing. Hey enriches the arrangement with well- placed organ riffs, while Egan's prominent bass lines and slippery soloing add distinctive character.

Rock enthusiasts might initially struggle with the extended improvisational sections characteristic of jazz. The reimagining of Derek and Domino's "Layla," infused with pronounced jazz elements, could challenge listeners devoted to the original version. Latham opens with triplets, and speedy tom rolls, leading to the group's fast-paced jazz interpretation of the primary melody. Hey's impassioned piano phrasings toward the conclusion offer a fresh jazz perspective on the classic. Latham's achievement lies in his ability to honor the spirit of classic rock while infusing it with jazz's spontaneity and sophistication.

The album creates a unique auditory experience where musical genres converge and evolve. Jazz techniques and rock riffs interweave in a dynamic display of musical prowess, moving fluidly between nostalgic reflection and captivating exploration. Living Standards II transcends the typical cover album; it represents a sophisticated musical dialogue that challenges listeners to reconsider genre limitations. Despite potential resistance from musical purists, the album emerges as a bold, creative statement highlighting Latham's exceptional versatility and profound musicality.