Desert Bop offers yet more evidence that the Santa Fe–Albuquerque corridor houses some of the finest musicians anywhere. Drummer John Trentacosta (Santa Fe), whose roots go back to New York City, and saxophonist Doug Lawrence (Albuquerque), longtime lead tenor in the Count Basie Orchestra, serve up some tasty bop in classic style on this new release. (See below for details on the CD release party.)
Lagniappe: Lawrence will also be appearing on July 11 at the Outpost with his new organ quartet as the opening act of the 2019 New Mexico Jazz Festival. He’ll have the inimitable Dan Trudell on organ, John Webber on guitar, and Yuriana Sobrino Garcia on drums. Go here for more info.
John Trentacosta Meets Doug Lawrence
Desert Bop (Cactus Records)
A review
Melody, harmony, rhythm—the three essential elements integrate seamlessly on Desert Bop, the new release from coleaders John Trentacosta (drums) and Doug Lawrence (saxophone), who are joined by Dan Trudell (piano) and John Webber (bass). The program is old school bop, with six standards and one Lawrence original, and it is as smooth as gravy.
The quartet sounds like it’s been playing together for years, and that is no doubt due in part to the telepathic communication between Lawrence and Trudell, who have a long history. Trentacosta certainly contributes to the feeling. There’s a transparency to his drumming: he’s always there but never intrudes, tastefully supporting the forward movement. His cymbal work on Lawrence’s “Jane Hardy Blues” and his brief blues march solo on Dexter Gordon’s “Hanky Panky” stand out. Speaking of support, Webber anchors the proceedings with a just-right contribution in the same vein, and he also contributes a splendid solo on the Gordon tune.
None of the foursome forces anything. Their playing is succinct, soulful, free of bombast, and loaded with meaning. Just listen to Lawrence’s opening tone on the Raskin/Mercer tune “Laura”: it sums up the entire composition, and he unpacks it in a beautiful extended solo. Lawrence’s affinity to Dexter Gordon comes through clearly on the two Gordon compositions—“Hanky Panky,” with its funky galumph, and “Catalonian Nights”—as well as on the percolating “Tangerine,” a Gordon favorite. Lawrence is an accomplished storyteller, his solos carrying you effortlessly from beginning to end, with enchanting twists along the way.
Trudell is best known hereabouts for his outlandish chops on the B3, but his work on the piano is equally impressive. His playing is somehow both spritely and muscular. Check out his cheeky layered harmonies on Tadd Dameron’s “Casbah,” his touch on “Jane Hardy Blues,” and his Tyner voicings on Harold Vick’s burning “Trimmed in Blue.”
Desert Bop offers timeless tunes and performances, underscoring the proposition that jazz is America’s classical music.
Desert Bop CD Release Party
Sunday, June 14, 7:30 p.m.
Quail Run
3101 Old Pecos Trail, Santa Fe
Presented by the Santa Fe Music Collective
Tickets: $25, SFMC members/$30, nonmembers
Tickets and info: 505-946-7934
© 2019 Mel Minter
I was in transit this last Wednesday listening to KUNM’s Jazz At Noon when a cut really caught my ear. It was one from “Desert Bop”. Outstanding in every way. And Doug’s Quartet performance last night at the Outpost Performance Space will, in my mind, be the concert of the year. I’m happy for all the wonderful music we get to experience here in Albuquerque.
“Desert Bop” put me in mind of another album in the same vein, one of my favorites: “New York Time,” which features Javon Jackson, Cedar Walton, Christian McBride, and Jimmy Cobb. It, too, is worth your time.