Subtle Disguise

The best jazz albums of 2018 We wrote about vibist Locke a couple months ago, and this is a delectable piece of work, with seven of the nine tunes here his compositions. "Red Cloud" is a tribute to the Sioux chief, a muscular theme where guest David Binney's alto sax seems to depict things spinning out of control, until Locke's absolutely riveting vibes melody works through to a sort of transcendence. Bob Dylan's "Who Killed Davey Moore?" has Raul Midon's vocal hurrying through the tale, just like boxing powers wanted to forget it as soon as possible, but then a provocative theme from Locke and pianist Jim Ridl forces us to think about it more deeply--a brilliant interpretative work. Locke's title cut is one of his most compelling, from an otherworldly start through intriguing changes and melodic grace. Just lose yourself in the lovely tone and sustains of "Make Me Feel Like It's Raining."