Moving With the Times

 

I have been impressed with the music and the saxophone playing of Alex LoRe since 2014 when his debut album, "Dream House", was issued on Greg Osby's Inner Circle Music label. When Allen Mednard replaced Colin Stranahan at the drum set for 2019's "Karol" (issued on Challenge Records), the quartet (also featuring pianist Glenn Zaleski and bassist Desmond White) became known as Alex LoRe & Weirdear.  The alto saxophonist and composer, originally from Tarpon Springs, Florida, graduated from the New England Conservatory and earned a Master's Degree from the Manhattan School of Music.  Currently, he's a member of pianist Maria Sanchez's Quintet and has played with Lucas Pino's No Net Nonet. LoRe has also authored two instruction books, the latest being  "The Goldberg Variations for Saxophone Duets, Trios, & Quartets".  During the Pandemic, he upload numerous videos of how he was working on playing JS Bach that are fascinating to watch and listen to.

One can hear a classical influence on several pieces that appear on "Evening Will Find Itself", LoRe's fourth album as a leader and his first for Whirlwind Recordings. Pieces such as "Underground and Back" plus "Silent Ship" feature melody lines that have solid structure and melodic flow. The former track has a formality that loosens as the soloists (bass, piano, and alto sax) push the piece out. Great bow work from bassist Desmond White.  The 10-song program features the same band as "Karol" and they work together like a fine-oiled machine (without ever sounding uninspired). "Stripes" opens the album with an opening melody over the rubato rhythm section. The piece opens for an exciting alto sax solo and a splendid turn from Zaleski.  White and Mednard really push the music forward without disappearing into chaos.  The following track, "Face Unseen" is softer, moving on the gentle brush work and counterpoint of the bass.  Note how LoRe's alto moves easily into the higher register of his horn where. at times, it sounds like a soprano sax. 

"Green" pays tribute to one of the saxophonist's most important teachers, Bunky Green.  Here, the rampaging rhythms push LoRe to display not only his technical prowess but the genuine lyricism that his teacher possessed throughout his career. Mednard's interactions with both the saxophonist and Zaleski during their solos is a delight (do watch the video below to see how the drummer responds in the studio).  

There are three shorter (under three minutes) that carry the title "Radiance".  They make up half of the final six tracks. Despite their relative brevity, each one contains a complete statement and improvisations.  "I" stands out for the piano/sax interactions while "II" features Zaleski pushing the proceedings, an introductory solo from Mednard, and then LoRe enters by playing his own take with variations on the piano theme.  "III" closes the album; slower, the saxophone theme is a variation on "I" and "II" that drops away for a bass solo over a funky drum pattern.  The piano reenters to comp through the end of the bass solo that leads to LoRe's restatement of the theme.  

The music on "Evening Will Find Itself" doesn't just jump right out at you but beckons the listener to enter the proceedings and surrender to the sounds.  Alex LoRe sounds fully in control and his original material is the richest of his still-growing career.  The musicians of Weirdear shine brightly as partners––not just a back-up group–– in this endeavor.  It will be interesting to hear how these songs expand and develop as the quartet tours this year. In the meantime, take a close, deep, listen as the rewards are plentiful.

For more information, go to https://alexlore.com/.  To hear more and purchase the album, go to  https://alexlore-whirlwind.bandcamp.com/album/evening-will-find-itself. 

Here's a taste of "Fauxlosophy":

Watch Weirdear in the studio: