Mulligan!
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
The bassist for Outside Pedestrian, the multi-instrumentalist David Lockeretz returns here with a solo album, where his creative version of jazz comes with vibraphone, accordion and theremin, among others, on the well thought out Mulligan!
Lockeretz starts the listen with the wisely titled “Don’t Read The Comments”, where plucked bass leads into playful keys from J.D. Sebastian as Paul Tavenner’s drumming anchors the synth friendly opener, and “Non-Hybrid Seeds” follows with John Magnussen’s vibraphone making an impact on the rhythmic and stylish setting.
Closer to the middle, “I Will See You There” dips into warm jazz territory with Anthony Fesmire’s inviting guitar lines, while “Deor” recruits spoken word between bouts of frisky, sometimes spacey instrumentation. “Green Girl”, one of the album’s best, then benefits greatly from David Johnson’s vibraphone as a highly melodic landscape unfolds with an infectious quality.
The final two tracks are demos of two previous songs, and it’s nice to hear the alternate, more raw versions of “Non-Hybrid Seeds” and “Green Girl”.
A primarily instrumental affair, Lockeretz brings all the precision of his work in Outside Pedestrian to an adventurous spirit on this bright album that’s musically as colorful as its striking cover art.
Travels well with: Jason Kao Hwang- Human Rites Trio; Swingadelic- Bluesville