Joe Locke
‘Subtle Disguise’
Origin Records
Anyone who has witnessed a performance
by homegrown and world-renowned vibraphonist Joe Locke knows one thing: he does
not stand still. The same can be said for his music. Every album brings a fresh
group of musicians and unexpected turns. “Subtle Disguise” – featuring pianist Jim Ridl, bassist Lorin Cohen, and
Samvel Sarkisyan on drums – is no exception. The young group is as
tight as it gets, and Locke is in top form, all but reinventing the vibes with
his brilliant, four-mallet technique.
Guest singer Raul Midón
joins the group for searing renditions of Bob Dylan’s “Who Killed Davey Moore”
and Blind Willie Johnson’s “Motherless Children.” In both cases, Locke
reimagines the tune, bringing new urgency to the message. Locke also makes
powerful musical statements in compositions like “Red Cloud,” evoking the
Native American leader who held off the U.S. Army in the 19th
century. Another composition, “Make Me Feel Like It’s
Raining,” is a wonderful tribute to Locke’s vibraphone hero, the late Bobby
Hutcherson.
This article appears in Nov 28 – Dec 4, 2018.
