Piers Lawrence: Reza

Guitarist Piers Lawrence studied music in France. He worked with R&B and soul stars such as Wilson Pickett and Phyllis Hyman. He hosts an Internet jazz radio show called "Manhattan Jazz." He owns JazzNet Media, the company that produced this CD. So, if after all these years he wants to put out an album of straight-ahead jazz, what's to stop him?

Jim Hankins's bass and Sir Earl Grice's drums start the groove on "Reza" even before they play. Well, it seems that way as it takes about 1/100th of a second for them to be in the pocket. Lawrence's sophisticated blues-funk arpeggio-laden guitar lays it down. He is playing some nasty licks that demand distortion. Yet his tone is pristine. The listener has to imagine the dirtiness that composer Pastorius had in mind. This is an interesting exercise and adds to the enjoyment of the performance. Fowler fills in the spaces with some well-placed comping. In a nod to Jaco, the tune ends with a fading "goodbye" bass riff. This is great stuff. Lawrence should make another such album and bring the same guys along with him.