Midnight Sun
Vineyard, 2021
8/10
The multi-instrumentalist Bryan Lubeck brings his veteran and diverse songwriting skills to these 11 tracks that welcomes a large handful of exceptional musicians to the fusion formula.
“Invincible” gets the album off to a warm start, where Lubeck’s sublime acoustic guitar weaves in and out of Jonathan Marks’ skilled drumming in the jazz and pop friendly opener, and “Rocket Fuel” follows with Nick Bisesi’s sax prowess and Kirk Garrison’s brass contributing much to the cultured melodies.
Approaching the middle, “Road To Mackinac” trims the pace back with much beauty that welcomes Ryan Herma’s synth and Matthew Agnew’s cello to a very poetic, Spanish filled climate, while “If You Only Knew” brings a romantic quality amid strings and Lubeck’s meticulous guitar work that’s not short on grooves. The title track is one of the best, and showcases Dave Hiltebrand’s radiant electric guitar and Erik Rumsa’s graceful violin working together with much sophistication.
“Alex Arrives” lands near the end and places Lubeck on piano and Bisesi handles flute, and “Adirondack” exits the listen with a timeless, meditative experience that puts an exclamation point on the very thoughtful listen.
Lubeck rubs elbows with pop, funk, rock, jazz and blues, among others, and his urban blend of sounds illustrate just why he’s been a staple of contemporary pop and jazz instrumental radio for so many years. Midnight Sun effectively expands on those ideas, and it makes for a captivating effort.
Travels well with: Alex Martin- Folk Songs, Jazz Journeys; Kenny Carr- Distance