In review--Lifting Vibrations
Jazz Joe Locke Lay Down My Heart Blues & Ballads, Vol. 1 Motema On his January release, Wish Upon a Star , jazz vibraphonist Joe Locke paired up with Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra exploring rich harmonics of popular songs. And on Lay Down My Heart , Locke dives into blues and ballads thus creating another set of relaxing songs for people to unwind at the end of the day (this mission mentioned in the liner notes). Opening with Bill Wither’s signature tune, Ain’t No Sunshine , we might say that the musical journey also heads down memory lane. The blues y cover Makin ' Whoopee (Walter Donaldson/Gus K ahn), offers a similar respite. Locke’s original, Broken Toy possesses a sweet and lilting motif that both charms and relaxing with its interlocking vibraphone and piano. Bittersweet (Sam Jones) picks up the tempo in be bop fashion. Then the pace slows way down on I Can’t Make You Love Me (Michael Reid/Allen Shamblin) w...