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Jay Lawrence: Sonic Paragon
ByOpening with his own breezy "Full Moon In Havana," Lawrence immediately establishes a mellow vibe while showcasing an easy rapport with bassist John Patitucci, pianist Renee Rosnes, guitarist Romero Lubambo, and tenor saxophonist Harry Allen. All, save for Lubambo, who alternates guitar duties with Anthony Wilson or Yotam Silberstein, remain for the entire show. As the program continues, Lawrence branches out along various central avenues. First he breaks up the melody of Irving Berlin's "What'll I Do," using it as a small showcase for his brushes before settling into a coolly swinging lane; then he brings guest trumpeter Terell Stafford into the fold for the spicy "Vamonos" and the laid back "Slide"; and after that he adds some rhythmic zest to an Allen-fronted take on Leonard Bernstein's "Maria," essays quietude with positive results on "Dayspring," and opens bluesy funk nugget "From Nadir To Zenith" with a slight futurist's feel.
In most of those aforementioned instances the music runs down the middle and everybody paints mostly within the lines, but that's the real beauty of it. Whether taking a stroll through NOLA by way of "Tchoupitoulas," pulling Jimi Hendrix into the jazz orbit with a personalized slant on "Crosstown Traffic," or delivering any number of engaging originals, Lawrence and his A-Team find a way to enjoy themselves without pushing the music toward the outer limits. This is pure musical variety wrapped in accessible language.
Track Listing
Full Moon In Havana; What'll I Do; Vamonos; Slide; Maria; Dayspring; From Nadir to Zenith; Sonic Paragon; Tchoupitoulas; Golden Ratio; Crosstown Traffic; My Winsome Consort.
Personnel
Jay Lawrence
drumsJay Lawrence: drums; John Patitucci: bass; Renee Rosnes: piano; Harry Allen: tenor saxophone; Terell Stafford (3, 4, 7, 9); Romero Lubambo: guitar (1, 5, 6); Anthony Wilson: guitar (2, 4, 7, 8); Yotam Silberstein: guitar (3, 9-11).
Album information
Title: Sonic Paragon | Year Released: 2018 | Record Label: Jazz Hang Records
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