"Re-thinking Jimi Hendrix in terms of an acoustic jazz piano trio would seem to be a bit of a stretch. It comes as a surprise, then, that Francis Lockwood's new release, "Jimi's Colors" - which does just that - works so well. On listening, however, unexpected similarities reveal themselves. Hendrix worked primarily in a trio format, interacting intensely with his bass and drum players. Even on his most stoned-out live recordings, the rhythms never rest for long in the simple 4/4 of rock, but push for more. Much as jazz pianists do, Hendrix also created a lush harmonic backing to his own lead lines. He wrote beautiful compositions that moved between explosive anger and delicate sensitivity.
Lockwood, his French bassist Gilles Naturel and drummer Peter Gritz capture those elements of Hendrix's music and turn them into engaging jazz that remains true to the emotional subtleties of Hendrix's work. "Gipsy Eyes" maintains its high-throttled pace and "The Wind Cries Mary" its mournful beauty. From the fast, bouncing beat of the opening tune, "Third Stone From the Sun," Lockwood's trio shows a respect also for the artistry of Hendrix. They handle the melody lines like precious jewels, but don't shy away from pounding, forceful beats either. On "All Along the Watchtower," Lockwood adds harmonies without detracting from the hip, cynical intention of the Bob Dylan tune that Hendrix electrified. The cover of Cream's "Sunshine of Your Love" sticks with the coiling, psychedelic riffs, but follows them further improvisationally. Lockwood also adds three of his own compositions, which, if you didn't check the credits, might be confused for less-well-known Hendrix songs. These three show the degree to which Lockwood has internalized the feeling and style of Hendrix. For a French pianist better known in Europe than elsewhere, this CD marks an excellent debut on the global jazz scene."
By Michael PRONKO - THE JAPAN TIMES
Lockwood, his French bassist Gilles Naturel and drummer Peter Gritz capture those elements of Hendrix's music and turn them into engaging jazz that remains true to the emotional subtleties of Hendrix's work. "Gipsy Eyes" maintains its high-throttled pace and "The Wind Cries Mary" its mournful beauty. From the fast, bouncing beat of the opening tune, "Third Stone From the Sun," Lockwood's trio shows a respect also for the artistry of Hendrix. They handle the melody lines like precious jewels, but don't shy away from pounding, forceful beats either. On "All Along the Watchtower," Lockwood adds harmonies without detracting from the hip, cynical intention of the Bob Dylan tune that Hendrix electrified. The cover of Cream's "Sunshine of Your Love" sticks with the coiling, psychedelic riffs, but follows them further improvisationally. Lockwood also adds three of his own compositions, which, if you didn't check the credits, might be confused for less-well-known Hendrix songs. These three show the degree to which Lockwood has internalized the feeling and style of Hendrix. For a French pianist better known in Europe than elsewhere, this CD marks an excellent debut on the global jazz scene."
By Michael PRONKO - THE JAPAN TIMES