KARL LATHAM

LIVING STANDARDS II

Dropzone Jazz

Karl Latham, drummer; Mark Egan, bass; Mitch Stein, guitar; Henry Hey, keyboards/Hammond B3; Roger Squitero, percussion; SPECIAL GUEST: Wolfgang Lackerschmid, vibraphone.

Drummer Karl Latham has a goal of transforming rock music into jazz.  It began when he first recorded “Living Standards” in 2016 with a trio setting. This is a continuation of that concept.

Latham has had a long and star-studded career, working with the popular bands of Pat Metheny, Gil Evans, The Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All-Stars, Paquito D’Rivera and many other musicians of note. With this project, Latham reinvents rock songs you know and love like Stephen Stills “Rock and Roll Woman” along with the familiar Robert Plant and Jimmy Page bluesy tune, “What is and What Should Never Be.”  Mitch Stein is funk driven and masterful on guitar during his solo exploration of “Rock and Roll Woman.”

Karl Latham is power charged on his drums, while keeping the melodies of these rock songs strongly represented.  He uses the original chord changes to clearly represent these familiar rock and roll classics, while allowing his fabulous players to explore the tunes with free improvisations. This develops the arrangements into jazzy fusion.  The addition of a special guest, Wolfgang Lackerschmid on vibraphone, adds a nice touch.

“Living Standards II” is Karl Latham’s fifth album release as a leader.  He is a formidable drummer who propels these standard rock songs forward with zest and excitement.  This idea of bending rock songs into a jazzy transformation is a working concept.  It features this drummer in his prime and gives his talented band members the freedom to add creativity and improv to the project.  For example, on the Clapton and Gordon tune “Layla” they reinvent the rock anthem in a very jazz-oriented way.  Henry Hey soaks up the spotlight on piano.

It’s amazing how this band keeps the roots of these tunes solid, while exploring the songs like a botanist explores flowers and studies plants.  This album is a sweet bouquet of surprises.  It will be available for public consumption on January 17, 2025.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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