New Orleans Lowdown by Steve Lockwood: A Jazz Gem That Sticks With You
If you’re into jazz, especially the kind that feels like a warm hug but still has enough edge to keep things interesting, New Orleans Lowdown by Steve Lockwood is worth your time. Released in 2007 on Expansion Records, this album dives deep into contemporary jazz with a mix of laid-back grooves and intricate compositions. It’s not flashy or overproduced—it just feels real, like a late-night hangout where everyone’s vibing together.
The lineup here is stacked. You’ve got Ken Rosser switching between acoustic and electric guitar, Kim Richmond flexing on alto sax and clarinet, Nick Rosen holding down the bass, and Matt Mayhall keeping it tight on drums and percussion. Oh, and let’s not forget Steve Lockwood himself—he’s all over the piano and wrote every track. The whole crew brings their A-game, but it’s the way they gel as a group that makes this record stand out.
Now, I gotta tell ya about two tracks that really stuck with me. First up is “Crescent City Blues Pt. 1.” Right off the bat, Gabe Johnson’s cornet sets the mood—smooth but kinda melancholy, like walking through New Orleans at dusk when the air is thick and heavy. Then Steve’s piano kicks in, weaving around the melody like he’s telling you a story without words. By the time Kim Richmond’s sax comes in, you’re hooked. There’s something about how everything builds and fades—it’s moody but hopeful, if that makes sense? Like, yeah, life can be tough, but there’s beauty in the struggle too.
Another standout for sure is “Desire & Reconciliation.” This one hits different because of Harry Scorzo’s violin work (yeah, violin in jazz—don’t knock it till you hear it). It adds this unexpected texture, almost haunting, while the rhythm section keeps things grounded. Steve’s composition shines here; it feels like he’s balancing chaos and calm perfectly. Every note seems deliberate, yet there’s plenty of room for improvisation. Honestly, I found myself replaying this track a few times before moving on to the rest of the album. It’s just… gripping.
One thing I love about New Orleans Lowdown is how cohesive it feels despite having such varied styles within it. Whether it’s the brassy punch of “Blue Rainbow” or the sultry sway of “Habanera,” each song flows naturally into the next. It doesn’t feel forced or overly polished, which is refreshing in today’s music scene.
So yeah, this album might not blow up TikTok or anything, but it’s got soul. And honestly, isn’t that what jazz is supposed to do? Make you feel something? Anyway, fun fact: after listening to this, I realized my cat loves “Shadow Dance.” No joke. She sat right next to the speaker purring the entire time. Maybe she knows something we don’t.
