Personnel
Lukas Gabric – Tenor Saxophone, Composer
Rob Bargad – Piano
Philipp Zarfl – Bass
Peter Primus Frosch – Drums
Track List
- Double Standard
- At the Mercy
- Road Trip Melody
- Blue Zone
- Mahalo
- Lockdown
- What You Are
Liner Notes by Walt Weiskopf
Since I was lucky enough to teach Lukas Gabric over ten years ago during his time at the New School in New York City he has accomplished many things in music. He has written excellent books on jazz improvisation, he is a distinguished musicologist, academic, and best of all (from my admittedly narrow point of view): a great player and composer.
Lockdown, Lukas’ second album as a leader is all about the exploration of the medium of the jazz quartet led by the quintessential saxophone/leader in the tradition of other jazz greats who have traveled this path.
The musicians Lukas has assembled for this project are beautifully well-matched. Rob Bargad (piano) is well-known as a leader in his own right. He functions here perfectly as the consummate pianist with no other agenda than to compliment and contribute his great piano playing to Lukas’ music. The completion of the quartet with fellow Austrians Philipp Zarfl (bass) and Peter Primus Frosch (drums) reflects a preference for sidemen who can immediately bring all their talents to the table. They are both virtuosic,
earthy, and above all: swinging.
“Double Standard” is a perfect lead-off, showcasing the band’s essential love of this music in the shape of an original tune reflecting the tradition that has drawn so many jazz fans to the fold. It’s egoless and draws you right in.
“At the Mercy” is a reference to the endless frustrations of the visa process from the standpoint of those who love life in the U.S. but are not citizens. As a native of Austria, Lukas has this perspective having studied in New York. Like many college graduates, it felt natural to stay where he had lived, worked, and made friends but for someone dependent on a visa to stay in the U.S., the prospect of having to leave is always looming. The loping 12/8 feel of this tune is evocative of the constant uncertainty felt by those of our piers living here who feel their fate is in the hands of bureaucracy.
“Road Trip Melody” is an up-tempo ride showcasing in the introduction and interlude a relatively uncommon linear device in jazz, the augmented scale. Without getting too technical – let’s just say it’s tricky; but the trickiest part of this display is how natural these musicians make it sound. A lay person will likely hear this tune as inspiration to “put the pedal to the metal,” which is the best thing about it.
After the twisting and turning head in “Blue Zone” the band settles quickly into a swinging 12-bar blues; the foundational form of jazz that always endures. The way in which this band plays the blues shows a fundamental familiarity and ease with this most basic jazz form.
Following “Blue Zone” is another mainstay of the jazz tradition. “Mahalo” is a lovely original ballad inspired by the beauty of Hawaii where Lukas spent his honeymoon. Here is a chance to enjoy and admire the honest intensity of the sound Lukas gets on the tenor saxophone.
One hardly needs mention the influence of the great John Coltrane on Lukas Gabric, on this project and virtually all jazz musicians influenced by this great icon in our music. “Lockdown” is a “tip-of-the-hat” to Coltrane’s composition “Countdown,” which has inspired so many jazz musicians. On hearing “Lockdown” for the first time I had the same reaction as when I heard “Countdown” – better pick up that horn and practice!
My only clue about the driving and earnest standard-like “What You Are” was the title – an apparent reference to Jerome Kern’s “All the Things You Are.” I guess I’m not the only jazz musician obsessed by this enduring standard. Lukas has a theoretical basis to explain the structure of this tune but it’s not strictly a “contrafact” (in jazz — a “contrafact” refers to an original melody based on a pre-existing chord progression). A good way to compliment this tune is to observe that it’s an original composition that sounds like a great standard. A perfect conclusion to a great album.
As a student, Lukas was low maintenance; always prepared, Lukas presented with confident humility such that I was never surprised in the years that followed with his consistent success. This level of artistry does not come easy – it’s the product of raw talent combined with persistence, hard work, and the evident and apparent love for an artform. Lukas has mastered the tenor saxophone; seemingly flawless technique, a great big warm sound, and great notes streaming out of the horn. All of Lukas’ compositions on this album make for excellent listening. Beautifully crafted and satisfying to the ear; “Lockdown” is a terrific collection.
– Walt Weiskopf, September 2021
GGM Artists
