This is another excellent release by Sam First Records.
Larry Goldings – I Will – Sam First Records SFR 007 180-gram stereo vinyl, 41:23 ****1/2:
(Larry Goldings – piano; Karl McComas-Reichl – double bass; Christian Euman – drums)
Since 2017, Sam First has become the preeminent jazz club in Los Angeles. David Robaire (artistic director) has overseen the club’s analog to digital recording equipment. This has led to audiophile live jazz recordings from a variety of musicians that represent both straight-ahead and progressive jazz legacies.The latest performer to record an album for Sam First is grammy-nominated pianist, keyboardist, composer and arranger Larry Goldings. He has worked with Joshua Redman, Maceo Parker, Jack DeJohnette, Lee Ritenour, Steve Gadd, John Scofield and David Sanborn. He has also recorded with John Mayer, Bette Midler and James Taylor. His versatility and instrumental flexibility have been Influential in translating different musical genres.
Goldings’ latest album (I Will) is a traditional piano trio project recorded over two dates in 2023 and 2024. He is joined by Karl McComas-Reichl (double bass) and Christian Euman (drums). They perform five covers and one original Goldings composition. This is an ensemble that operates in lockstep with complementary dynamics. Side A opens with the lone original, “Roach” (obvious homage). Goldings kicks it off with a single-note menacing bass line. He expands this with chords that have a bluesy shading. The first solo is lyrical with soulful accents as the jam transitions into gentle swing. Both the bassist and drummer execute prominent solos and there are chord modulations when they reunite. Taking on the first of two Gershwin numbers, “It Ain’t Necessarily So” is reimagined as improvisational trio interplay. Goldings offers a gliding solo with lilting colorful riffs that capture the whimsy of Catfish Row. The overall vibe shifts to a gritty muscular feel, then there is a transition to ethereal aesthetics. Euman’s polyrhythmic drumming is compelling. Goldings interprets each verse differently with touches of funky Americana. The title cut (Paul McCartney’s White Album song) has a gospel texture. Goldings never loses the irrepressible melody and plays with swirling rolls and bluesy eloquence. There are tempo upticks and glowing imagery.
With diversity, the trio embraces many styles. “Mambo Inn”, a Latin-infused romp is anchored by the jaunty ebullience of the rhythm section. This gives Goldings room for his breezy piano runs that intermingle punctuated higher-register right hand, crescendos and overall glowing tonality. A nice touch is a “Jeepers Creepers” reference at the end. Another unique Gershwin arrangement (“Embraceable You”) takes the popular tune and transforms it into jazz idiom. The intro is infused with classically-influenced motifs that are atmospheric, with an occasional hint of dissonance. The right hand flurries by Goldings are engrossing. A certain highlight is Judee Sill’s folk opus, “Jesus Was A Cross Maker”. A meditative piano intro unfolds into a hushed religious elegy before the trio eases into a relaxed groove. Goldings’ uplifting articulation glows with warmth and deep emotion.
Sam First Records is fast becoming an integral part of the current jazz landscape. With state-of-the-art sound mixing (Nick Calapine) and flawless vinyl pressing (Bernie Grundman), I Will (also available on digital with additional tracks) manages to update traditional jazz, serving veteran jazz aficionados and appealing to newer devotees.
Highly recommended!
—Robbie Gerson
Larry Goldings – I Will
TrackList:
Side A: Roach; It Ain’t Necessarily So; I Will
Side B: Mambo Inn; Embraceable You; Jesus Was A Cross Maker.
