CD REVIEW
3.5 stars
Label: Rattle Jazz
Recorded in New York with Joel Frahm on sax and Orlando Le Fleming on bass, Melbourne drummer Mark Lockett’s fourth album features eight of his compositions.
Despite time as a student of flamboyant NYC drummer Ari Hoenig, Lockett does not push his work to the fore. This album showcases all members of the trio in lively and polished renditions of pieces that are at times complex, but never too heavy.
Lockett displays a deft, but restrained command of the kit, giving Frahm and Le Fleming plenty of space.
Compared with Now and Then, Lockett’s 2008 tribute to Ornette Coleman, this album may offer less intensity, but it delivers finesse in a well-balanced outing that also confirms the drummer’s credentials as composer.
Download: Loose Motion, Crew Cut
File between: Ornette Coleman, Bill Stewart
ROGER MITCHELL
During December 2012 Lockett will embark on a national tour to release Sneaking Out After Midnight, with concerts featuring Julien Wilson on sax and Alex Boneham on bass. In Sydney Jonathan Zwartz will be a special guest on bass, while in Perth Jamie Oehlers will feature on sax.
Lockett tour dates:
Tuesday, December 4: 505, 280 Cleveland St, Surry Hills, New South Wales, 8pm
Wednesday, December 5: The Loft, unit 2-3 151 Cowper St Dickson Canberra, 8pm
Thursday, December 6: La Niche, 67 Smith Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 7pm
Monday, December 10: The Wheatsheaf, 39 George St, Barton, SA 8pm
Wednesday, December 12: The Ellington Jazz Club, Perth, WA, 8pm
Nice write-up–looking forward to obtaining this album!