Piers Lawrence: Reza
Musicians:
Piers Lawrence (guitar),
Chuk Fowler (piano), Jim Hankins (bass), Sir Earl Grice (drums)
.Composed by Jaco Pastorius
.Recorded: New York, August 15, 2007
Rating: 88/100 (learn more)
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.
Reviewer: Walter Kolosky
Tags: 2000s jazz
Hello Walter: Thanks very much for your kind review - it means a lot to us. The Piers Lawrence Quartet
Yo Piers, Very nice track, deserving of Song of the Day! You really captured that 'Wes' vibe and I like the interplay you have going with Chuck. Keep up the good work & best wishes, *bob*
Truly "Get-Down Music". The warm tone of the guitar plays beautifully off the bright percussive comping of the piano. And the rhythm section locks in tighter than a shark's teeth around a helpless surfer. Does Jaco justice.
Great seeing you live the other night! You really kicked it up for the final tune - "reza." in fact, it's the first time i ever heard a jazz band noodling around with the chords to deep purple's "smoke on the water," before diving headfirst into the song. this, as deadhead, reminded me of oh so many shows where the band would lay down a bit of tease and swing into a different song entirely. as an added bonus to "reza," sir earl tossed in a smoking drum solo mid-way thru the number!
Always loved Jaco; glad to see someone's paying attention to the music...
Piers -- That's great! Congratulations, hope you have a great weekend .. Jon Norton WGLT Music Director Illinois State University
Congrats!! Robert A. Celestin, Esq. Law Offices of Robert A. Celestin, Esq. Intelligent Music Entertainment, Inc. (212) 262-1103 www.raclawfirm.com
Excellent!!!!!!! :D Keep up the greatwork guys! Stevie-G. (Brother of Sir Earl)
Love the music, keep playing it stirs the soul and warms the spirit. Music, the only true language. Understood by all. Darryl, Dayton, Ohio
After close to 30 years, I believe you have found your special place and contribution. keep up the good work. And may God bless you and Christina.
Piers, Congratulations for your new cd and the good things to come with the magic of well done music. Regards Geraldo Flores Percussionist
Dear Piers, Thanks for your gift, at the Cafe des Artistes. Since then, I have been enjoying your beautiful Stolen Moments. I hope to see you again. I really love your music. Best wishes, Anousheh