Saxophonist
Rob Lockart has been a mainstay of the Los Angeles jazz scene for nearly two decades, working most notably with
Chris Walden on a number of projects.
Parallel Lives is
Lockart's first solo album, an agreeable if rarely spectacular example of unfussy modern jazz that occasionally crosses over into too-smooth fuzak.
Lockart mostly sticks to tenor on
Parallel Lives, although his lyrical soprano soloing on "Waiting for the Truth" is one of the album's highlights, alongside the extended tenor duel with
Bob Sheppard on the closing "It's Not Over Yet."
Lockart is backed by a piano trio anchored by producer
Bill Cunliffe, whose placid,
Tommy Flanagan-like solos are a welcome addition. The aforementioned album highlight "Waiting for the Truth" also features an outstanding, unflashy, liquid guitar solo by guest
Larry Koonse, whose call-and-response segment with
Lockart's dreamy soprano sax on the languid tune makes one wish
Koonse had been a sideman throughout the sessions. A solid take on the standard "All or Nothing at All" is equally fine. ~ Stewart Mason