ALEX LORE

MOTIVITY

Weirdear Records

Alex LoRe, alto & C Melody saxophones/composer; Thomas Morgan, bass; Johnathan Blake, drums.

On his new album release, Alex LoRe proudly draws a direct line from his chord less trio to his mentor, the late, great Lee Konitz.  As scientist Isaac Newton once quoted, “An object in motion stays in motion” and this, LoRe’s fifth album titled “Motivity” is a clear example of that premise.

Opening with the soft warm sound of LoRe’s saxophone, this trio gives us their arrangement of “I Remember You” with the swinging drums of Johnathan Blake dancing in the background and Thomas Morgan walking his bass briskly beneath the Alex LoRe satin smooth solo. This trio engages me right away.  Even though they have taken a path less traveled, their sound is hypnotic and compelling.  LoRe unwinds the melody like a colorful ball of yarn. As it rolls across my listening room, I find myself intrigued by this bass, drums and saxophone format.  They are expanding on a musical page borrowed from Lee Konitz and his famous 1961 “Motion” album.  Thia was a music adventure that greatly influenced Alex LoRe.  You clearly hear the Konitz influence on LoRe’s current album release.

An obvious tribute to Konitz is LoRe’s original composition “Like-Lee” with its challenging melody floating over the rhythm of Blake’s drums, that sometimes pop like sporadic gunfire, and the always solid basslines of Thomas Morgan. LoRe reminds me of a wild and beautiful bird soaring, dipping and diving above a restless city scene.  Blake takes a notable solo during this arrangement, showing off all his technical percussive prowess.

I enjoy the shuffle-feel they use to unfold the familiar “Weaver of Dreams” tune, and the tone of LoRe’s saxophone brings an element of comfort and appreciation to my spirit.  When LoRe and Morgan (on his double bass) have a lengthy conversation, using their instruments as melodic voices, it’s quite creative and counterpoint.  Blake uses his drumsticks to glue the entire project together, holding the various moods and rhythms in perfect place, while adding his own unique percussive touches, like colorful adjectives sprinkled in a poem.  The interlude that LoRe plays a ‘Cappella called “Intro to Thingin’” is a solo work of art. It introduces us to the Lee Konitz tune, “Thingin’.”  Another favorite of mine was their sweet interpretation of ‘Tis Autumn. They close with a speedy rendition of “Overly Sentimental” where LoRe effectively over-dubs his saxophone parts.

This is a project that had me on the edge of my easy chair, awaiting the next song with bated breath. The honesty, originality and technical brilliance of these three musicians has created a project of beauty and wonder.  This music continues their own legacy, with a respectful nod to Lee Konitz.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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