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There is a certain simplicity in having only three in
the band, especially rock and progressive rock bands. Names
immediately come to mind like ELP and Rush. And the trio is
also a highly favored set up for a jazz combo. Putting that
all together in a blender and the time honored tradition of
the trio once again shows its strength this time in the names
of Lucas, White and Edsey. ***
Having honed their talents playing with a variety of
bands in the Chicago area this trio consists of Frank Lucas
(keyboards), Chuck White (drums) and Steve Edsey (bass). The
music here borrows from both the rock and jazz fields and
mixes it up accordingly. But the thing that stands out is
that these guys know their stuff and they play together in
an effortless manner. The music just rolls out of them. It’s
probably worth noting that keyboardist Lucas has studied with
Jordan Rudess for the past 12 years. There’s even a piece
called “A Note to Jordan” but the music here is light years
from the Dream Theater prog-metal style. ***
The music of Lucas, White & Edsey is all about chops.
But its not any kind of gratuitous display the playing is
sincere and you get an image listening to LWE that they’re
having a good time. Each composition tends to be pretty up-tempo
with the focus on musicianship and virtuosity. There are 8
tracks here, all instrumental, most of which are over seven
minutes long so there’s lots of room to stretch out and perform.
And that performance comes in the form of track one’s anthemic
symphonic style through to the more jazz-Latin influenced
“Hasta Manana”, a track which features guest violinist Edgar
Gabriel. In between these guys pick up threads of rock, cool-jazz,
funk and whatever seems to fit the piece. The emphasis is
on the playing with loads of major chords giving the band’s
sound a very up-beat feel. ***
My guess is that this being the first disc from Lucas,
White & Edsey that they “threw the kitchen sink” at it, including
a wide variety of material they currently perform. It will
be interesting to see how all of this condenses over the coming
months (if it does). Whether there will be a distinct musical
course they choose to take or whether they simply enjoy such
a wide range of music that it allows them the opportunity
to play to different styles. Only time will tell, but in the
meantime LWE is an exceedingly enjoyable first effort, well
recorded, well composed and certainly well played. ***
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