Doug Lawrence: Soul Carnival

On Soul Carnival, Lawrence's years learning the trade as a sideman prove well spent. He fronts a fine young quintet featuring Ray Macchiarola on guitar, Tardo Hammer on piano, John Webber on bass, and veteran Leroy Williams on drums. Lawrence has a full-bodied, supple tone and a thorough command of the modern jazz vernacular. His role models are obvious ones: Lester Young, Ben Webster, Dexter Gordon, Gene Ammons. And while he doesn't stray too far from their examples, he does prove himself a worthy disciple.

Lawrence also deserves credit for his creative song selection. Rather than simply revisiting overworked standards, he digs up some outstanding underheard compositions by the likes of Lee Morgan, Tommy Turrentine, Hank Mobley, and Lucky Thompson. Although he breaks no new ground here, Lawrence serves notice that he is a tenor player to be reckoned with.

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