Once In A Lifetime
Origin, 2023
9/10
The esteemed drummer Les DeMerle laid down this album with his band, Sound 67, way back in 1967, and here it’s finally released after being lost in the shuffle at Atlantic Records.
“Come Back To Me” starts the listen with DeMerle’s drumming acrobatics alongside Randy Brecker’s bright trumpet and Danny Sandridge’s swift keys, and “Feelin’ Good” follows with Alan Gauvin’s soulful sax complementing the dynamic rhythm section that embraces Terry Plumeri’s bass skills.
In the middle, “Signifyin’” offers a punchy and scrappy jazz rocker that’s got plenty of grooves, while “Alfie” recruits Genya Ravan’s expressive pipes and Lanny Morgan’s emotive sax to the intimate landscape.
Close to the end, “That’s Life” has Ravan’s powerful pipes flowing, as well as DeMerle’s well timed drums and Jack Greg’s strategic bass, and “Takin A Chance On Love” exits with Rosemary Clooney’s inviting voice and the Mike Douglas TV Show Band joining DeMerle for the playful finish.
Amazingly, DeMerle was only 20 years old on this recording, but he plays like a seasoned vet across the very meticulous and powerful tunes that clearly illustrates he was ahead of his time on this debut album which makes an indelible impression 55+ years later.
Travels well with: Michael Dease- The Other Shoe; Rich Thompson- Who Do You Have To Know?