Narratives

STEVEN LUGERNER SEPTET: Narratives
self-released, 2011

MODERN JAZZ – Debut release from Lugerner, who plays saxes and clarinets while leading a very fine band through a mostly original and entirely memorable set. Lugerner’s voice, both as player and composer, is fresh, confident and cool-toned, but with a restless undercurrent – a reaching out for something profound. Originally from Burlingame but now living in New York, Lugerner is on to something interesting here.

Try any track. Fo’s Picks: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7

1. 3:10 – big tune in a small package: forceful but moody with a cool drumbeat
2. 7:31 – quiet trumpet mope; builds up in middle but sax slinks off, great end
3. 9:04 – flowing walk with excellent, layered arrangement & a good sax solo
4. 5:58 – slow, trudging tune: calm bass clarinet and odd guitar
5. 5:52 – easygoing lope, picks up a bit of rock edge and pushes itself forward
6. 6:56 – softly overlapping: piano sparkles, adventurous guitar, sweet sax
7. 9:19 – expectant tune becomes a confident thrust; love the sax work here
8. 6:46 – quiet intro, stirring theme, weighty trumpet, ends with guitar freakout

[ Fo ] 06/12/11