Famed jazz vibraphonist Joe Locke immerses himself in the world of blues and ballads for his newest release, Lay Down My Heart (Blues & Ballads, Volume 1), the first CD in a series of albums Locke has in mind.
Says the acclaimed composer and performer, “This music is meant to provide respite for folks who work hard every day and need an opportunity to slow down and be reacquainted with that certain “something” which eludes most of us in the midst of the whirlwind which is modern life. I can’t put a name to what that “something” is, but if this music hits its mark, perhaps you will know what to call it.”
After listening to Lay Down My Heart early this morning, I still fail to come up with a name for the “something” Locke is referencing, but I can attest to the fact that it gave me peace of mind with its stripped-down, island sound. Some may disagree with that last part, but, for me, the vibraphone is associated with a cool, funky, yet laidback vibe (no pun intended), all hallmarks of island music. Thus, it provides an interesting juxtaposition with the blues and ballads numbers Locke performs.
Of the nine tracks, only two are original pieces (“Broken Toy” and “This New October”) while the remaining seven are covers. Locke samples everything from Sam Jones’ “Bittersweet” to Frank Foster’s “Simone,” but the two that really catch your attention are his interpretations of the Bill Withers pop hit “Ain’t No Sunshine” and Bonnie Raitt’s poignant “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” “Ain’t No Sunshine” sets the mood for the record with its sophisticated sassiness while “I Can’t Make You Love Me” reinforces the CD’s goal of getting the listener to pause and reflect for a while. Both renditions are beyond gorgeous and demonstrate why Locke is the jazz world’s premiere vibraphonist.
However, he is also supported by three very talented musicians who round out this album’s quartet: bassist David Finck who has recorded with the likes of Rod Stewart and Elton John; pianist Ryan Cohan who has collaborated with musicians Freddie Hubbard and Paquito D’Rivera; and drummer Jaimeo Brown who has worked with Stevie Wonder and Wynton Marsalis.
According to Locke, Lay Down My Heart “is no highbrow concept here, just some songs pulled from a deep well, which will hopefully serve to feed the soul.” And that’s exactly what he accomplishes.
For more information on Lay Down My Heart, please visit Joe Locke’s website.