Solo albums from bass guitarists are rare creatures. The breed which actually fits the "solo bass" tag is rarer still. But such an animal is Steve Lawson's debut release, recorded live at London's under appreciated Troubadour and treading a path somewhere on the experimental side of jazz.
Loops and samples abound, as Lawson carefully builds up his backing with the assistance of a range of high-tech toys. The heavily layered sound which results is some of the mellowest you're likely to hear, but retains its experimental edge with a range of sounds and tones which are rarely heard from an instrument whose usual role is rhythmical.
That ability to develop melody and rhythm together in a solo setting is what allows Steve Lawson to venture into territory that few bass players do. The result may be too mellow for a few listeners, and there is the odd occasion where the balance seems to slip a little- the highlight for me is probably the one studio track, "Bittersweet" on which Lawson is joined by pianist Jez Carr--but given that these recordings weren't even produced with the intention of release this is a relaxing and compelling release.
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