In simple and straightforward terms, Serenity, the new album
by the Louis Romanos Quartet, is an utterly delightful musical experience -
blending outstanding compositions, sterling musicianship and marvelous
creativity at its most compelling. At a time when so much contemporary jazz
expression seems to be fettered down in a bog of technical wizardry and
pedantic complexity, the LRQ embraces the timeless classicism of emotional
warmth, deep lyricism and the sheer undeniable joy of playing music together.
Virtuosity abounds, but not to display itself to impress, but to tell
captivating stories for the pleasure and edification of any listener in search
of that special uplifting that only comes through joyful musical expression.
As Louis describes the LRQ’s mission… they play “original
music for people who love music.” The LRQ is locked together in an exhilarating
web of empathy and shared pursuit, built upon the blueprint that is laid out by
Louis through his leadership with directions established by his terrific
compositions and arrangements. Weaving Latin, Middle Eastern and Far Eastern influences
into a jazz framework, further spiced with the unique multicultural landscape
absorbed through his 15 years in New Orleans, Louis’ compositions are ideal
launching points for spirited and viscerally rhythmic sonic improvisation.
Returning from the Quartet’s highly acclaimed 2015 debut
album Take Me There are guitarist Dan Sumner and Alex Noppe on trumpet and
Flugelhorn. Joining them on this album is the remarkable string bassist Luca
Lombardi. Sumner – who goes back some twenty years with Louis to 1997 when they
co-founded the landmark New Orleans duo Permagrin – is an exceptional soloist
and also provides a rich backdrop to the musical canvas with his brilliant
aural coloring, often evoking resonant suspended charged chords that are akin
to those spidery shower fireworks that linger in the sky long after the initial
burst. Noppe is a master of richly lyrical warmth whose stunning solos are
sometimes marked by emphatic flairs of bent notes and serpentine coils.
Lombardi’s deeply resonant sound, impeccable rhythms and imaginative vitality
roots the powerful groove of the music perfectly, complementing Louis’ drumming
in splendid fashion.
Romanos is truly a great drummer, always inventive,
rhythmically flawless and fresh, and thoroughly musical, not only providing the
ideal firmament for the improvisational journey, but fully participating in its
contextual evolution. His two solos are sensational – filled with lyricism, and
vibrant in groove. And when you focus on his playing throughout the entire album,
there never seems to be a moment where he falls back on basic time. He is
always consummately creative, consistently adding luster and sparkle that
deepens the tale being told.
And wonderful tales they are, beginning with the opening
piece Just Pretend. A nicely syncopated trumpet and guitar line built upon a
virile bass ostinato, it features an expressive rock-tinged guitar solo, a
deeply wooded bass excursion and a vividly rhythmic drum solo spiced by
afro-beat guitar, joined by the bass to bring it to climax. Funk is the flavor
on Funkle Lou, rooted in a N’Orleans street beat, and also reminiscent of the
classic hard bop funk of 60s Blue Note (including a long sustained bent bass
note a la The Sidewinder). Luca also rips out a superpizzicato solo that would
make Bootsy Collins smile. Alex’s plunger-muted trumpet sings out viscerally
talking-blues in that Clark Terry/Cootie Williams mode, swinging mightily over
souldrenched guitar, fervid bass and sparkling drums. Louis’ concluding solo is
deeply funky with throbbing bass drum and singing toms.
Bossa is the groove for Klozola with genteel acoustic guitar
and opulent arco bass setting the tone for Flugelhorn like the gentle warmth of
a light tropical rain as it states the lovely and sensuous theme. Jobim-channeling
guitar and sonorous Flugel solos add to the delectable texture.
Another gentle and soothing item is Take a Hike with its
circular, almost rondo-like melody, deliciously sung on Flugelhorn and
featuring a sonorous bass solo and a stately turn by Alex. Two beautiful
ballads are included as well. The enchanting Home Again is offered by Flugelhorn
and guitar slow-dancing in tight embrace, wrapped in the arms of sumptuous
bass. Emotive and poignant guitar and Flugel solos further enhance the mood.
Serenity in Dissolution is a lovely piece stated radiantly by Dan’s touching
guitar, and includes his ballad/bluesy solo, warmly sensitive Flugelhorn, and
swirls into a wonderfully atmospheric collective pastiche at its climax.
With a boogaloo style groove in homage to drum master Idris
Muhammed, Old Soul features an intricate, but totally lyrical trumpet/guitar
unison theme cooked in an intertwined bass/drums staggered rhythmic tandem, all
culminating with brilliantly overlaid trumpet and guitar solos. Song for
Charlie is a unique departure from the rest of the album. Launched by Louis
alone, he’s joined by Alex’s plunger-muted trumpet for a fascinating two-man
musical conversation filled with drama, wit, a bit of sarcastic repartee and
even an occasional dirty joke here and there.
This enchanting album concludes with Witches Brew clearly
calling to mind the closely titled Miles Davis album that changed music
forever. This homage is appropriately muscular, biting, adventurous and
exploratory, with trumpet soaring over a scintillating swamp-gut bottom of
shimmering guitar, funkily strutting bass and subtly insistent rocking drums.
This wonderful album not only has something for everybody,
it has everything any fan of great music could want.
No comments:
Post a Comment