[CD Review] Makram, Recorded in New Jersey, by Joe Locke

Written By Mike Greenblatt

Recorded in New Jersey
Joe Locke
Makram
(Circle 9 Records)

 For his 29th album, recorded in Middletown, Little Falls and Paramus, vibraphonist/keyboardist/arranger/composer/producer Joe Locke, 63, leads his quartet—with pianist Jim Ridl, bassist Lorin Cohen and drummer Samvel Sarkisyan—through some acrobatic arrangements, challenging in their complexity. The nine tracks start with Cole Porter’s 1930 “Love For Sale” and ends with some Ellingtonia (Billy Strayhorn’s 1948 “Lush Life), done as if you’re hearing both for the first time. In between, Locke’s originals meander on a circuitous route that gives each musician ample opportunity to strut their considerable stuff. Now add guests on trombone, French Horn, bass trombone, tuba, oud (a pear-shaped, 11-string lute with no frets), riq (an Arabian tambourine), soprano sax, bass clarinet and flute, and you have a nine-track program guaranteed to make your head spin.

Order ‘Makram’ via joelcoke.com

Mike Greenblatt

MIKE GREENBLATT has been writing for Goldmine magazine and New Jersey's Aquarian Weekly for more than 35 years. His writing subjects fill the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

He's interviewed Joe Cocker, Graham Nash, David Crosby, Carlos Santana, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Johnny Cash, and members of The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. He was 18 when he attended Woodstock in 1969.

In addition to writing about music, Greenblatt has worked on publicity campaigns for The Animals, Pat Benatar, Johnny Winter, Tommy James and Richard Branson, among others. He is currently the editor of The Jersey Sound.

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