Love, Dad
Essential Messenger Records
Reviewing a prior recording by guitarist Larry Newcomb I wrote, "Newcomb captivates with his beautiful tone, single-note lines and carefully placed chords with his swinging backing band … ." His new album, "Love, Dad" teams him up with his son Jake for a high-quality straight-ahead jazz quartet set. They are joined by pianist Thomas Royal and drummer Dave Marsh and six originals and four standards.
It is a captivating set of straight-ahead, swinging jazz starting with a delightful, relaxed, "You Stepped Out Of A Dream," with Newcomb displaying his tone, relaxed horn-like lines, and fertile imagination, and closing with the lively interpretation of "The Song Is You." Newcomb's original "Essential Messengers" is set against a light Latin groove with chording and guitar lines evoking Wes Montgomery.
There is the quirky "Cliffhanger Blues" with a strong two-handed piano solo. The title track follows. It is a contrafact of "Stella By Starlight," and includes a prickly guitar solo that displays the restraint New comb plays with." His son is showcased on Oscar Pettiford's "Tricotism," with memorable playing. An unexpected selection is the cover of the 60's TV show theme, "Secret Agent Man," with Newcomb playing with a bit of treble.
Newcomb's ballad "Hearts in Suspension" is particularly memorable. The melody and the performance hint at Thelonious Monk's "'Round About Midnight." Newcomb shines with his restraint and thoughtful note placement. His son also shines on his solo over Larry's light chords. It may be the standout track of a solid, swinging, and thoroughly entertaining jazz guitar album.
I received my review copy from a publicist. This review originally appeared in the January-February 2021 Jazz & Blues Report (Issue 394). I have made a couple minor edits. Here is a performance by Larry and his son Jake.
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