CD Review: Rob Ryndak, Tom Lockwood - Gratitude (featuring Brian Lynch).

Rob Ryndak (piano/percussion); Tom Lockwood (saxes/clarinets/flute); Brian Lynch (trumpet/flugelhorn); Sasha Brusin (electric/acoustic guitars); Karl E.H. Seigfried (bass/bass guitar); Jeff Moehle (drums); Victor Gonzalez, Jr. (various percussion); Micah Rutschman (vibes); Ryan Koranda (cello); Steve Talaga (piano).

(Review by Lance).

Such is the avalanche of CDs I receive that some get overlooked for all the wrong reasons! Sometimes I just don't like the cover, or there are too many names to type. Often the liner notes are difficult to read or maybe the musicians are unfamiliar to me and I have a more promising album waiting in the wings. I usually  make a resolution to check it out tomorrow which, as we all know, never comes.

Gratitude by Rob Ryndak and Tom Lockwood is just such a case. Scheduled for release on June 7, here I am two and a half months later belatedly playing catch up - and it turns out to be a most enjoyable album.

The co-leaders share composing credits on alternate tracks as well as displaying their instrumental virtuosity. Ryndak, a sensitive pianist with an affinity for Brazilian music and Jobim in particular - it shows - is also no mean percussionist which is when Talaga takes over on piano.

Lockwood plays alto, tenor, soprano and baritone saxes as well as clarinet, bass clarinet and flute enabling him to add to the tonal variety. 

Rutschman's vibes, reminiscent of Milt Jackson at times, effectively add some shades of Shearing.

Trumpet ace Lynch flew in from Miami for the recording and he makes telling contributions.

It's easy listening verging on the smooth side which I don't think, in this case, is derogatory - It does what it says on the tin i.e. "A montage of jazz tunes with a distinctly Latin accent and a few dashes of pop and funk."

Lance.

Released June 7 on Pacific Coast Jazz.