Saxophonist
Rob Lockart
has been a mainstay of the Los Angeles jazz scene for nearly two decades, working most notably with
Chris Walden
on a number of projects.
Parallel Lives
is
Lockart
's first solo album, an agreeable if rarely spectacular example of unfussy modern jazz that occasionally crosses over into too-smooth fuzak.
mostly sticks to tenor on
, although his lyrical soprano soloing on
"Waiting for the Truth"
is one of the album's highlights, alongside the extended tenor duel with
Bob Sheppard
on the closing
"It's Not Over Yet."
is backed by a piano trio anchored by producer
Bill Cunliffe
, whose placid,
Tommy Flanagan
-like solos are a welcome addition. The aforementioned album highlight
also features an outstanding, unflashy, liquid guitar solo by guest
Larry Koonse
, whose call-and-response segment with
's dreamy soprano sax on the languid tune makes one wish
Koonse
had been a sideman throughout the sessions. A solid take on the standard
"All or Nothing at All"
is equally fine. ~ Stewart Mason