PHOTO CREDIT: Don Ver Ploeg

Joe Locke Vibraphone, Tommy Smith Tenor Saxophone, Gary Novak Drums, Jay Anderson Bass.

Joe Locke with his 4 Walls Of Freedom band played to sell out, turn away crowds at the recent Rochester International Jazz Festival for both of their performances at the Montage Grill, as part of a tour in support their latest recording, "Dear Life"( Sirroco Jazz Limited SJL 1025 ).

Both sets relied exclusively on the latest recording,"Dear Life " and it was exhilarating to hear those songs performed live especially since two of it's members come from as far away as Scotland (Tommy Smith) and Los Angeles (Gary Novak).

Opening up with "Wind In Your Willow", as the cd does, the group showed all of it's strengths as world class players performing exciting original compositions from the pen of Joe Locke. It opens slowly but forcefully, with the vibes and Tommy Smiths tenor taking us forward to what we think is the climax that is almost unbearably exciting and then there is a rhythmic break that propels the group to ANOTHER, even more exciting section that climaxes one again before letting the audience gently down. All the while Gary Novak's polyrhythms boil; pushing, kicking and encouraging the soloists, and along with Jay Andersons' flowing, deep bottom, moves the sections along.

All of the compositions played show that Joe Locke is not only THE vibraphone master of THIS century but also one of the first tier composers of modern jazz as his Sirocco releases bear out. "Malonius", a tribute to guitarist Russell Malone, is a fast, fleet song showing off Locke's effortless technique on the vibes. "Eva", written in memory of the late vocalist Eva Cassidy, is a smooth shuffle and engaging melodic line that could be a FM radio hit that is sweetly swinging along a steady pulse. "Verrazano Moon". written in memory of the late Bob Berg, who was a charter member of 4 Wall Of Freedom and is featured on their first disc, is a heartfelt ballad that ends with a sweet, final and memorable note from Tommy Smith that hangs in the air at it's conclusion and left the stunned audience screaming for more.

Tommy Smith, dressed in full Scottish regalia of kilt, tartar and saber, was a revelation to many. His protean sound that combines multiphonics and complete top to bottom mastery and agility on his instrument, reveals the delight of the various Joe Locke groups and recordings; his ability to find ,encourage and engage the worlds top musical partners.

Joe Locke himself, in concert, is a engaging and emotional performer and leader. His virtuostic vibraphone playing alone enlists rapt attention from the audience , whether ballads or house burners, along with his stage presence and manner is captivating and exciting while not being a distraction. His spoken introductions of the songs and what inspiration compelled him to compose them ,draws the audience closer in appreciation and includes them in the experience.

Both set concluded with standing ovations and thunderous applause of the appreciative audiences. Joe Locke and 4 Walls Of Freedom revealed themselves as are of the the most exciting groups in jazz today. "Wind in Your Willow" indeed!