Booking a flight to a smoky New York jazz club can be a bit hard on the budget. Fortunately, you can experience the same vibe from the comfort of your home listening to Phil Lentz’s sophomore album Phil Lentz Presents…Vol. II.
URL: https://www.philentz.com/
It’s a vibrant blend of jazz, pop, folk, and classical influences, offering listeners a genre-spanning journey that never loses sight of its jazz roots. The album showcases 11 original compositions that capture Lentz’s diverse musical styles. If you listen long enough, you might even start to hear the clink of martini glasses in the background.
Featuring standout tracks such as “Play Your Melody,” “I Remember the Early Days,” and “Bebopping Along,” the album’s lush arrangements and polished production elevate its appeal.
Lentz, a composer and jazz pianist based in New York City, worked with an accomplished ensemble to bring his vision to life. Dennis Harte co-arranged the tracks and contributed on guitar and banjo, while Wolfgang Lugomarsini’s bass, Dave Young’s drums, and Red Heller’s vocals and saxophone enriched the soundscape. Additional textures come from Richard Philbin’s saxophone and Bob Cohen’s violin, blending seamlessly into Lentz’s compositions.
Opening with “Bebopping Along,” the album sets an upbeat and playful tone. This vibrant track encapsulates the freedom and inventiveness of jazz, with nimble saxophone lines dancing over a jaunty piano and lively rhythm section. It’s a fitting introduction to Lentz’s musical world, one that embraces tradition while seeking new horizons.
The album’s emotional core lies in “I Remember the Early Days,” a wistful ballad combining gentle piano chords, electric guitar, and earnest vocals. “Play Your Melody” is a showcase of Lentz’s melodic sensibilities, its lyrical piano line propelled by urgent and dramatic singing.
Lentz’s commitment to feel-good music is evident in “December Song.” It’s a bright toe-tapper that lets the saxophone, guitar, and piano take turns at center stage like a playful ball toss in Central Park.
Vocally driven numbers like “One Little Drop of Justice” stand out for their lyrical depth. Delivered with conviction, the track explores the theme of historical racial injustice in America. It provides a poignant counterpoint to the primarily instrumental album. On the other hand, “Honky-Tonk Blues” brings a spirited energy, with its rootsy, foot-tapping rhythm showcasing the band’s versatility.
The penultimate track, “Prairie March,” is a delightful surprise. Its folky melodies and rhythmic propulsion conjure images of open landscapes and endless possibilities. The album closes with “Coda,” a reflective piece that feels like a fitting farewell, encapsulating the themes of nostalgia and introspection that run throughout the album.
Recorded at Studio Mozart in Little Falls, N.J., and mastered by Tom Hutten of Bionic Mastering, the album’s production is impeccable, ensuring each instrument and voice shines in the mix.
In Lentz’s own words, the album seeks to “capture those fleeting moments of peace and joy we all seek.” It mostly succeeds, weaving a tapestry of sound that feels both intimate and expansive. Whether you’re a jazz enthusiast or a casual listener, Phil Lentz Presents…Vol. II is a journey worth taking.
Garth Thomas