Larry Newcomb, who is considered one of the top all-round guitarists on the scene today, has played in a wide variety of settings during his productive career but his true love is modern straight ahead jazz. Love, Dad, Newcomb’s third recording as a leader, features the composer’s talented son Jake Newcomb on bass, the consistently inventive pianist Thomas Royal, and the supportive Dave Marsh on drums. The Quartet now explores new musical territory following Newcomb’s 2017 release, Living Tribute and 2015’s LIVE Intentionally!, which received a four-star review in Downbeat.
The quartet performs fresh renditions of four standards plus the leader’s six originals. The set begins with a relaxed version of “You Stepped Out Of A Dream” that, with its melodic guitar, piano and bass solos, serves as a fine introduction to the group. The guitarist’s “Essential Messengers” has a jaunty Latin feel and chordal work that recalls Wes Montgomery in spots, but advanced harmonies all its own. Newcomb’s quirky and almost Monkish “Cliffhanger Blues” displays his sly wit and has a particularly colorful piano solo.
“Love, Dad,” which is dedicated to Larry Newcombs’ three sons, is based on the chord changes of “Stella By Starlight” and is a cooker that inspiers thoughtful solos. Jake Newcomb is in the spotlight on Oscar Pettiford’s classic “Tricotism,” taking the melody and a subtle yet inspired solo. The leader’s “Soirée” is an original jazz waltz with a French feel to it and features one of his most adventurous solos of the program.
A change of pace is next in “Secret Agent Man,” certainly an offbeat choice for a jazz date but one that works well. This rollicking performance gives Newcomb an opportunity to revisit his roots. The heartfelt ballad “Hearts In Suspension,” a 6/8 to 4/4 hybrid “Love Intentionally” and a swinging “The Song Is You” conclude the enjoyable album.
Larry Newcomb was originally a blues rocker and worked along the way as lead guitarist with the touring bands of many pop and rock artists including Peter Noone (of Herman’s Hermits) and Leslie Gore. However while attending the University of Maine, he became interested in jazz. He has since earned Masters and PhD degrees in Music from the University of Florida and studied with such notables asg uitarists Bucky Pizzarelli, Pat Martino, Jack Wilkins, Howard Roberts and Mark Elf. In his career, he has played with many of the top jazz musicians in New York and Florida including Reuben Wilson, Bob Mover, Bob Cunningham, Benny Powell, Manny Duran, Brian Charette and Joe Donato.
A busy educator as well as a performer, Larry Newcomb’s previous recordings, LIVE Intentionally! and Living Tribute, featuring the late jazz guitar icon Bucky Pizzarelli are each quite worthy; but, Love, Dad is his most inventive and mature recording to date, an excellent sampling of his guitar artistry and original approach to playing creative jazz.
