GOLDINGS HAS THE GOLDEN TOUCH

Soloist, sideman, bandleader, pianist, organist, arranger, composer, accompanist to singers (such as James Taylor, John Pizzarelli, Jessica Molaskey, and Norah Jones)… Well, check out Larry Goldings and you’ll note that he checks a lot of boxes and thinks outside the box as a creative jazz man. His latest release, the appealing I Will (available digitally and on vinyl), presents live performances from two different evenings when he was presiding at the piano, joined by two other impressive talents: Karl McComas-Reichl on bass and Christian Euman on percussion. The repertoire is strikingly varied, covering cover songs, original material, jazz, and pop, with comfort, control, and chemistry among the musicians shown for each.

The name of the Los Angeles venue where it happened – and the record label releasing music recorded there – is Sam First Records. The club and label are both run by Paul Solomon, the grandson of the man they’re named for. He was a tailor by trade, which explains the logo of a threaded needle. Speaking of needles: Lifting a phonograph needle to a vinyl record’s grooves is one option for hearing the music this new company has captured within the club’s walls, such as I Will’s welcome contents. It’s a plus for those who prefer the warm, rich sound of the classic format and appreciate the preeminent procedures for preserving, producing, and providing and presenting art via state-of-the-art equipment. Stage and Cinema had the opportunity to have the vinyl audio experience for the six tracks. (This doesn’t mean a skimpy playing time; the tracks on both sides are on the long side, ranging in time from just under five minutes for the title number to two cuts that reach the eight-minute mark.)

Two additional engaging treats from the live engagements are available only digitally. At present, there is no compact disc format offered. (It’s interesting to note that, for those who aren’t of the “digital only” persuasion, recent years’ sales figures show a resurgence in customers buying vinyl over CDs. Once again, the tables have turned and turntables turn out to be in favor. Well, that’s the news that’s “going around.”)

Larry Goldings

Some old songs retain more of their original architecture, while others are rethought rather dramatically, and it can take more careful listening to recognize the building blocks of a familiar melody line among the embellishments, tempo changes, and other touches. Hearing the interpretations can be like encountering an old friend whom you may not recognize at first: a person whose weight, hair, clothing style, and energy level has changed a lot over the years. Musically/metaphorically speaking, it can be a face lift or fashion makeover that is surprising but intriguing. To put it more concisely: it’s jazz.

I Will gains a listener’s goodwill immediately with a Goldings original as his piano starts off with a simple, but insistent figure that sets up tempo, rhythm, expectations in the same manner that the plucking of a bass string or a drumbeat might. And then the  actual bassist and percussionist are welcomed in and energy builds. This instantly accessible opener is “Roach,” dedicated to and inspired by veteran jazz drummer Max Roach. The album is named for the Paul McCartney-penned pleasure, one of his sweetest love songs. It retains its endearing tenderness while gaining gravitas and elevated elegance, as if Mozart had been a co-arranger. The assertive melody of “Jesus Was a Crossmaker” (by Judee Sill, 1971) is stated pretty plainly with minimal adornment. On the lighter, brighter side, a more “fun” escapade is supplied by “Mambo Inn” which includes a bit of the perky “Jeepers Creepers.”

Listen for more taking of liberties, exploring, and ruminating with a double dip into the Gershwin songbook. “It Ain’t Necessarily So” from Porgy and Bess ain’t necessarily so traditional and the more daringly abstract “Embraceable You” doesn’t dutifully embrace the way it’s most often done, but it’s not at all cavalier either. Seemingly seriously cerebral instead of steadily, straightforwardly sentimental, the tune is arguably treated more gingerly than Ginger Rogers was asked to do it when she introduced the lovey-dovey ballad 95 years ago in the Broadway musical Girl Crazy, setting the standard for this standard’s many later renderings.

The two tracks available only digitally certainly don’t qualify as disappointing discards to be dismissed from the discography or this discussion. In fact, they’re terrific performances. “Somewhere” from West Side Story is captivating and remarkable in its successful blend of its intrinsic palpable poignancy and a surprisingly effective dash of sprightliness, as if making the case for optimism — that there is a better place somewhere. And a glowing Goldings original composition, “Sing Song,” is an ingratiating winner, a refreshing mid-tempo thing that might remind you a bit of the traditional lullaby, “Hush, Little Baby” that soothed little ones to sleep with promises of a mockingbird, a diamond ring, etc.

Hooray for drummers such as Mr. Euman who don’t bang, numb us into a sleepy (Zzzzzz zombie) state with automatic pilot plodding repetitions or show off with what sounds like machine gun rounds. He’s subtle, providing atmosphere, with shimmers of cymbals and the soft breeze of brush strokes. (He does get to cut loose on “Roach”). And Karl McComas-Reichl’s bass work is satisfying, too, even though more solo spotlights would have been welcome. In any case, there’s teamwork with no sense of competition or the leader hogging the show.

Those most familiar with Larry Goldings and his previous releases will know that these live selections include some items he’s recorded before — hardly a surprise for a live album. But it’s worth noting that the earlier versions didn’t involve the two other musicians heard on this album or the same instrumentation. “It Ain’t Necessarily So” was on his debut (The Intimacy of the Blues) back in 1991, and fans may have the awareness that Awareness featured “Embraceable You.” “Sing Song” (then listed as a one-word title) was on Quartet, while In My Room made room for “Roach,” as did two others—Music from the Front Room and Ramshackle Serenade. “Somewhere” is found on Something Special, a trio album with guitarist Jim Hall top-billed.  Perusing the list of songs on his many prior projects, it’s clear that variety is the M.O., as many offer a mix of originals, standards, show tunes, odes to jazz icons, pop, folk, and jazz – famous fare and otherwise. Time spent listening to this excellent musician play increases the desire to hear more. And we can be sure there’s more to come.

for more info and ordering, visit Sam First, see the label’s website here: Sam First
for more on Larry Goldings, visit his site

01 Roach 8:12 (Larry Goldings)
02 It Ain’t Necessarily So 8:01 (George Gershwin)
03 I Will 4:58 (John Lennon/Paul McCartney)
04 Mambo Inn 7:41 (Mario Bauzá)
05 Embraceable You 5:17 (George Gershwin)
06 Jesus Was A Cross Maker 7:09 (Judee Sill)
07 Somewhere 5:39 (Leonard Bernstein)*
08 Sing Song 8:18 (Larry Goldings)*

* = only appears on digital release