Love, Dad
Essential Messenger, 2021
8/10
A listen spearheaded by guitarist Larry Newcomb and his son, bassist Jake Newcomb, Love, Dad also benefits from Dave Marsh’s drumming and Thomas Royal’s piano skills across 10 straight jazz tunes where 6 originals and 4 standards unfold with precision.
“You Stepped Out Of A Dream” starts the listen with graceful and spirited interplay between Marsh’s proficient drums and Larry’s intricate guitar lines as a very warm jazz landscape develops, and “Essential Messengers” flows with much beauty as Royal’s key prowess is on full display amid Latin influences.
In the middle, “Tricotism” showcases Jake’s precise plucking as a very agile climate is cultivated between the quartet, while “Soirée” is nothing short of sublime with its dreamy melodies and waltz appeal. Deeper yet, the ballad “Hearts In Suspension” is a calmer and emotive album highlight that we could never tire of hearing.
The last 2 tracks don’t disappoint either, and include the lush and glorious “Love Intentionally”, and “This Song Is You” exits the listen swiftly, with no lack of melodies and swing flavor to finish the record.
Larry has had an impressive career so far, and Love, Dad is certainly some of his best work, where his meticulous guitar playing and innovative jazz sensibilities don’t disappoint.
Travels well with: The Grasso-Ravita Jazz Ensemble- Jagged Spaces; Bob Gluck- Early Morning Star