Simon Phillips, Poco and Oz Noy are part of the latest edition of Five for the Road, an occasional look at music that’s been in my car lately:
SIMON PHILLIPS – PROTOCOL V (JAZZ FUSION): Hard to believe it’s been five years since the last Protocol studio album. Phillips released an excellent box set that covered his Protocol output and rarities a year or two ago, but the band itself has been dormant. At the same time, Phillips engaged in production duties such as the grand Darwin albums, among others. Protocol V is a continuation of Phillips’ jazz-fusion ambitions with another fine lineup. This time, guitarist Alex Sill, saxophonist Jacob Scesney and keyboardist Otmaro Ruiz join Phillips and long-time bassist Ernest Tibbs in furthering the legend of the Protocol band. Sill follows a line of brilliant players, demonstrating his chops on “The Long Way Home,” yet Phillips’ expertly arranged songs find space for Scesney during moments like “Isosceles.” Check out Ruiz on “When the Cat’s Away” to hear how Simon Phillips is able to combine the best from each of these soloists, along with Tibbs’ infectious groove. There is plenty here to keep the die hard drum fanatic happy (in particular on “Undeviginti”), but this album isn’t just a solo work but a true band collaboration. It all comes together to create a welcome return of true musical maverick.
ADAM LARSON – WITH LOVE, FROM CHICAGO (JAZZ): Saxophonist Adam Larson has accelerated his creative ventures as of late. The composer, bandleader and educator is not one to let the grass grow under his feet, but instead has seemingly increased his recording output. With Love, From Chicago represents the first of three recorded projects to be released in the next year and a half. On this album, Larsen engaged the astute drummer Dana Hall (check out the drums on “Angolan Babys”) and double bassist Clark Sommers, who shines throughout. These Chicago musicians provide a swagger fitting Adam Larsen’s warm yet challenging compositions as well as the carefully selected covers. Other highlights include Adam Larson’s take on John Wojciechowski’s “Twirl” or his driving tenor work on Sommers’ composition “Kansas to Chicago.” If you’re a fan of challenging instrumental jazz, With Love, From Chicago will be a great way to start your 2022.
TOM HEMBY BAND – DEALIN’ IT (ROCK): Wait, you don’t know Tom Hemby’s music? Surely, if you are a fan of guitar virtuosity you’ve heard this Nashville-based songwriter, producer and guitar slinger. Having provided his services to Brian McKnight, Steve Winwood and Wynonna Judd, it’s obvious Hemby has the “stuff.” On Dealin’ It, Hemby assembles a band able to meet the challenges of his melodic yet challenging instrumental compositions. Written mostly by Hemby with one track by bass master Adam Nitti and keyboard journeyman Michael Whittaker, the Hemby-produced songs have a live feel. Add into the mix Steely Dan drummer Keith Carlock and Mark Douthit on saxophone, and the lead off track “Sneaky” jumps out of the speakers like and unbridled thoroughbred from the gate. The interplay of the band on Whittaker’s “Afro Funk” allows the soloist to stretch and Hemby’s Gibson to soar even further. Dealin’ It features 10 examples of well-arranged, expertly played funky rock. If you don’t know Tom Hemby, this album is an excellent introduction.
OZ NOY, RAY MARCHIA AND UGONNA OKEGWO – RIVERSIDE (JAZZ): Shifting to a more straight-ahead vibe, Riverside finds solo fusion guitarist Oz Noy joined by drummer Ray Marchia and in-demand session player Ugonna Okegwo. They groove through 10 standards, creating something familiar yet new. Rehearsed outside on a river bank prior to the studio sessions, songs like the Okegwo-composed “6/8 Lunch Break” and “All the Things Your Are” cast each of these players in the very best light. The album is warm, daring and uplifting. Riverside is a perfect representation of inspired musicians at the top of their game.
POCO – ONE NIGHT IN NASHVILLE (COUNTRY ROCK): My first Poco concert was in 2013, but I first met Rusty Young, all be it briefly, in 2014. Young was a gentleman and a musician’s musician. One Night in Nashville, recorded in 2004, is a welcome return to an extraordinary concert that brought together Young, long-time Poco bassist Jack Sundrud, guitarist Paul Cotton and original drummer George Grantham and guitarist Richie Furay. Pulling songs from every era of their career, the album is a potent reminder of the power of Poco’s music. Timothy B. Schmidt’s “Keep On Tryin” brings back the classic Poco harmonies, which have influenced bands like the Eagles and Jayhawks. “Call It Love,” one of the band’s last hits, is equally compelling. If you are not moved by “Magnolia” and Paul Cotton’s “Heart of the Night,” which features the great Phil Kenzie on alto sax, then there is something wrong with your soul. We miss you, Rusty.
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