Steve Rawlins: Word on the Street

Steve Rawlins has been known as more of a behind-the-scenes kind of guy than a band's frontman for the past few decades, but that may be changing with his release Word on the Street. Rawlins is accredited for his work as an arranger and musical director for artists such as Smokey Robinson, Bette Midler, and Chaka Khan, as well as for television programs such as The Merv Griffin Show, The John Davidson Show, and Academy Award and Emmy Award ceremonies. During that time, he has infrequently put out albums as a bandleader, but the release of Word on the Street, with ten compositions he wrote or co-wrote, shows the influence of the myriad genres of music in which he has worked.

Rawlins' tunes range from straight-ahead jazz to blues to samba, ending the album with a reflective solo piano take on the classic "Let's Get Lost." Rawlins, along with saxophonist Sal Lazano and guitarist Grant Geissman, are the primary soloists, and their interaction drives the album with harmonious exchanges and smart, swinging improvisations. Rawlins' years of arranging music in various formats have paid off with an album elegant and enlivening.

Rawlins' bluesy and melodic playing melds nicely with Lozano's warm tone on saxophone. Lozano also adds some tasteful flute on a couple of the Brazilian-tinged numbers. Geissman's guitar playing on this recording is notable, his solos intricate and enthralling with a bit of bite to them but not abrasive. Highlights include the title track with its New Orleans-flavored rhythm, "Tomorrow Is Yesterday," featuring Geissman's guitar playing, and the samba-influenced "Now's the Time for Coffee."

With a strong supporting cast of musicians and intriguing compositions, Rawlins has made a convincing argument for being the frontman rather than working behind the scenes.