Year: 2008
Record Label: Tetrachord Music
Style: Straight-Ahead / Classic
Musicians: Larry Vuckovich (piano), Paul Keller (bass), Chuck McPherson (drums), Hector Lugo (congoas)
Review: West Coast jazz pianist Larry Vukovich is an admitted ‘30s through ‘50s era film buff, as iterated within the liner notes. In turn, he chose the title of this CD from the 1947 film titled High Wall: Real Life Film Noir. Vukovich correlates the film’s plot and symbolism to growing up under Yugoslavian dictator Tito’s communist rule. Ultimately, the artist communicates a spirited methodology during these originals, jazz-based standards and other works.
With lyrically resplendent themes and his flair for the dynamic amid timely moments of restraint, the pianist’s alternating rhythm sections include conga performer Hector Lugo on several tracks. Therefore, Vukovich’s directorate features a Latin and World music vibe that adds an edge, yet doesn’t crowd the jazz element. It’s all tastefully executed, indeed.
Vuckovich’s craft boasts a myriad of elemental components. Young pianists take heed! Check out his charismatic delivery, largely designed upon asymmetrical, yet poignant fusions of finesse and muscle. And listen to his upbeat and funky rendition of pianist Joe Sample’s “Put It Where You Want,” where bassist Larry Grenadier’s solo mimics the primary theme. Simply stated, Vuckovich makes it all sounds effortless, but adds quite a bit of depth via his fluent single note runs and cascading progressions, while turning up the heat when the situation arises.
He takes Joaquin Rodrigo’s classic “Concierto de Aranjuez" and morphs it into a stately, and somewhat burgeoning, jazz piece. In addition, the final bonus “live” tracks offer a glimpse of the trio kicking up a storm, especially during its hopping and perky rendition of Coltrane’s “Locomotion.”
You can tally this 2008 release among Vuckovich’s finest, but then again, the man has never released anything that is less than excellent. He takes us to school here, while providing the requisite doses of excitement along the way. Sort of like a film that is built upon an interweaving plot, awash with joviality and suspense.
Tracks: Afro6/8 Minor Blues, High Wall, Ow!, Put It Where You Want It, View from Telegraph Hill, Gypsy Roma Mambo (Dark Eyes), Lolita, What's This?, Concierto de Aranjuez, A Handful of Stars, Lester's Minor Blues (bonus live track), Locomotion (bonus live track)
Record Label Website: http://www.tetrachordmusic.com
Artist's Website: http://www.larryvukovich.com
Reviewed by:
Glenn Astarita
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