When you?ve fronted bands, produced albums for high-profile artists including Spyro Gyra and Bob James, composed scores for a number of television programs and movies, and been lauded in the musicalpress, what?s next?
For renaissance jazz guitarist Chuck Loeb, it?s getting back to your roots on the newest CD, “Presence.”
“This is the 15th CD I?ve worked on, and I really wanted to make it more spontaneous and personal,” Loeb said.
Which is why he eschewed the typical long-distance recording techniques and gathered all musicians in the studio, to create a more natural sound. The result, released late last month, has already received critical acclaim.
” ?Presence,? a gorgeous, lyrical album, provides a suitable showcase for Chuck Loeb?s technical proficiency and impressive range,” says Jeff Winbush in a review for All About Jazz. “You don?t just hear Loeb. You can almost see him creating the music.”
And Loeb is extending that personal touch into the tour. While most artists claim no knowledge of why different cities were booked, Loeb spoke excitedly introducing his 11-track CD in Annopolis.
“To me, when you produce an album and the album comes out, it really starts to gel when you go out and start playing the music live for an audience,” Loeb said. “The synergy between the audience and the band brings new life to the music.”
Combine that with the electricity brought to the show by a mix of musicians from different backgrounds ? pianist/organist Matt King, who is about Loeb?s age, and 20-somethings Brian Killeen, bassist, and drummer Josh Dion ? and the outcome is impressive.
Indeed, the new album includes everything from a cover of Steely Dan?s 1974 hit “Rikki Don?t Lose That Number” to the title track, which was written by Loeb and his wife, Carmen Cuesta-Loeb, as a tribute to her late father, Anastasio Cuesta.
“That [band line up] brings a wide variety of styles to the show. It?s a mixture of songs which makes it a well-rounded show,” said Loeb. “That?s why it appeals to people who have experienced a wide range of musical genres.”
IF YOU GO
Chuck Loeb
» Venue: Rams Head Tavern, 33 West St., Annapolis
» Time: 6:30 and 9 p.m. today (two shows)
» Tickets: $28.50
» More Info: ramsheadtavern.com or 410-268-4545
