What distinguishes guitarist Brad Allen Williams’ August
release Lamar from the ordinary jazz
trio album is not so much its choice of material, not so much its instrumental
make-up, and not so much its innovative playing. What distinguishes Lamar is its return to older recording
techniques in an attempt to reproduce the human feel and vibe of an ensemble
playing together, without any digital games.
As Williams’ liner notes point out: “”The vinyl release of
this will have never touched a computer at all. It was recorded with the three
of us in one great-sounding room together using the best analog tape machines
and a great analog engineer.” Echoing an aesthetic idea that goes back at least
to the 19th century, Williams goes on to explain that he believes that
the humanity of a musical performance isn’t in mechanical perfection, but in
the preservation of “the little hiccups; the little mistakes.” Blotting out the
warts blots out the humanity.
Besides when you are fronting a tight trio where the
musicians have played together over the years and know each other well, there
may be “hiccups” and “mistakes,” but if there are, they will be few and far
between. If the price for a powerful humane musical experience is a wart or
two, it is a small price to pay. Williams on guitar working with Pat Bianchi on
the Hammond organ and Tyshawn Sorey on drums delivers a winner. “Hiccups?” I
didn’t hear any.
The eight tune program features three Williams originals: a
bluesy “201 Poplar” and a swinging “Euclid and Lamar,” while his “Culver
Viaduct Rehabilitation Project” makes for some fine improvisation opportunities.
The album opens with Joe Jackson’s “Steppin’ Out,” a good indication of what’s
to come. Added to these are a couple of pop pieces you wouldn’t expect on a
jazz album “Galveston” and “Betcha By Golly Wow,” but work well Williams hands.
There are two standards as well—a really dynamite arrangement of “Stairway to
the Stars” and a solo guitar version of “More Than You Know.” This last could
well have been extended.
Lamar is also available on CD and download at one extra mechanical remove from the vinyl.
