Keeping the NOLA spirit on the front burner…
Matt Lemmler – Powerhouse: New Orleans in Stride, Vol. III (Trios, Quartets & Quintets) – NJR 001 – CD – 40:57 – ****
(Matt Lemmler – piano, vocals, arrangements; Brian Blade – drums; Joel Frahm – tenor & soprano saxophone; Nathan Lamberton – bass; Ashlin Parker – trumpet; Shane Theriot – guitar (#2) )
As part of the New Orleans in Stride series, NOLA based pianist, Matt Lemmler, is releasing his third issue, Powerhouse, which has the jazz piano professor at the Loyola University College of Music, backed by up to five musicians, in swinging arrangements on five tracks (the digital download includes a sixth track, “Come Sing Your Song to Me.”)
In addition to his stride piano prowess, Matt possesses a soul drenched NOLA drawl, that brought to mind for me, a blend that incorporates Dr. John, and Mose Allison. It’s both hip and honey drenched.
The song selection fits right in with this vibe. Beginning with “Powerhouse,” which is a raucous re-imagining of the theme from Looney Tunes cartoons. It’s a wild ride, and sets the stage for the rest of the tracks.
With the addition of guitarist, Shane Theriot, Lemmler tackles “The City of New Orleans,” which was a hit for Arlo Guthrie. Matt picked this tune due to his love and passion for his home city.
Next is a merging of Igor Stravinsky’s “Serenata,” with the spiritual, “I Am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger.” Lemmler’s vocals elicit the pathos that the lyrics deserve. Nat King Cole’s classic, “Nature Boy,” follows and features the esteemed saxophonist, Joel Frahm.
The CD closes with Miles Davis’ “Bye Bye Blackbird,” for which Matt adds the requisite NOLA funk “juice,” aided by Brian Blade’s shuffling drumming.
Matt Lemmler is a great ambassador for the Crescent City. I’d also be remiss if I did not mention his other project, being released now, The Book of Psalms, Vol. 1. It is comprised of 21 psalms and three canticles. Recorded live, it’s a solo piano and vocal album, with lyrics directly from sacred scripture. Sounds both inspiring, and filled with a New Orleans flavor.
—Jeff Krow
Matt Lemmler – Powerhouse
Tracklist:
Powerhouse (Theme from Looney Tunes)
The City of New Orleans
I Am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger
Nature Boy
By Bye Blackbird
