Wouldn’t Be Here Without You
Bel, 2022
8/10
Listen to Wouldn’t Be Here Without You
The diverse guitarist Brent Laidler returns with his 2nd outing as bandleader, and he’s got 10 originals with him that feature Mark Buselli, Ned Boyd, Jamie Newman, Scotte Pazera and Richard ‘Sleepy’ Floyd.
“Keeping It Simple” starts the listen with Laidler’s agile guitar lines alongside Newman’s smooth organ in the cozy, Latin jazz climate, and “Sunday Mood” follows with Boyd’s soulful sax and Floyd’s drumming interacting with plenty of melody and warmth.
Elsewhere, “City By The Bay” moves with an emotive spirit as Boyd’s dreamy flute mesmerizes us, while “Foo’s Blues” benefits much from Pazera’s skilled bass amid the flowing brass and frisky drumming that punctuates the blues nods.
Deeper still, “Wouldn’t Be Here Without You” makes great use of all the player’s strength in a dynamic and groove friendly album highlight, and “Pretty Little Bossa” exits the listen with a very stylish and meticulous delivery of gentle melody and meditative song craft.
Although he may not be a recognizable name in the area of jazz yet, this eclectic and exciting batch of tunes should change that very quick, as Laidler and company make the most of every second.
Travels well with: TriTone Asylum- The Hideaway Sessions; The Matt Gordy Jazz Tonight Sextet- Be With Me