"Play Your Melody" by Phil Lentz is the lead track from his much-anticipated "Phil Lentz Presents… Vol. II." This master class in genre-blurring warmth, texture, and emotional storytelling is essential.
"Play Your Melody" sounds like an invitation, imploring you to take a seat, take a deep breath, and let go for just a few minutes. It's jazz, with folkish undertones, hints of classical elegance, and a rhythm section that'll keep your heart swaying. Bob Cohen's soulful violin and Red Heller's plaintive alto sax provide a conversational level to the arrangement, allowing each instrument to have its own soliloquy in the overall narrative.
The New York City-based pianist and composer Lentz has always had the talent of stirring tradition with the spirit of innovation. But he's pushing even further here, leaning into intimacy without ever giving up sophistication. Alongside some emotional guitar skills from Dennis Harte and powerful melodic bass lines from Wolfgang Lugomarsini, "Play Your Melody" is less of a song and more of a journey. Dave Young's drums give just enough pulse to ground everything, never overpowering the precious nuances.
Produced by Harte yet again and mastered to a sparkling glimmer by Tom Hutten, "Play Your Melody" is a clean, emotive-sounding recording. Lentz says he aimed to capture fleeting moments of peace and joy. Mission accomplished. The track is reflective without being saccharine and uplifting without being cloying. "Play Your Melody" is a testament to why Phil Lentz matters in jazz and the wide world of instrumental music today.
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Phil Lentz captures fleeting moments in "Play Your Melody"
Reviewed by LyricalOdyssey Music
on
May 09, 2025
Rating:
Reviewed by LyricalOdyssey Music
on
May 09, 2025
Rating:
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