Parallel Lives

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.