(Review by Russell)
Miami-based guitarist Zach Larmer states: People often tell me they hear Metheny in my playing, but that’s like hearing Charlie Parker in a saxophonist’s playing. Pat Metheny, an undoubted influence on a generation of guitarists, is, as Larmer’s press release states: a compulsory rather than conscious influence. Larmer’s debut recording as a band leader dispels any notion of the young guitarist being a mere Metheny clone.
Zach Larmer’s Electric Band at its core is a quartet; Larmer, Tal Cohen (keyboards) and a choice of bassist (Juan Pablo Diaz and Jermaine Walden) and similarly, a choice between drummers Rodolfo Zuniga and David Chiverton. Recorded at 10k Islands in Miami Inner Circle is augmented by brass and reeds on this ‘live’ studio recording with no editing and with an audience present. Seven tracks spanning sixty six minutes, five tracks are Larmer originals, plus one from bassist Juan Pablo Diaz, and one standard to close it out – Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise.
The musicianship is of the highest standard and the group sound – the quartet plus a brass and reeds’ section – references seventies’ jazz-rock with an insistent funk groove. Larmer knows his stuff; Joe Pass to John Scofield and more are assimilated in his playing.
I Left it Bayou hears killer bass and drums laying it down and Friedrichshain (comp. Juan Pablo Diaz) features the trumpet playing of Brian Lynch. Larmer’s other trumpeter on the session, John Daversa, who plays his EVI on the opening number On the Dock, and again on the title track, Inner Circle, is heard on the latter number alongside tenor saxophonist Aldo Salvent.
Russell.
Inner Circle by the Zach Larmer Electric Band is available now. For further details of a fine debut recording visit: www.zachlarmer.com
Zach Larmer (guitar), John Daversa (trumpet, EVI), Brian Lynch (trumpet), Aldo Salvent (saxophone), Tal Cohen (keyboards), Juan Pablo Diaz (bass), Jermaine Walden (bass), Rodolfo Zuniga (drums) & David Chiverton (drums)
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