Joe Locke
For The Love Of You
E1 Music
www.e1music.us
By George W. Harris

Vibist Joe Locke was planning on putting out one of his standard high quality releases when he happened to hear singer Kenny Washington (not the drummer) perform, and was so impressed that he had the guy join with Geoffrey Keezer/p, George Mraz/b and Clarence Penn for an impressive mix of instrumentals soulful vocals.

The band swings buoyantly on "I Miss New York" and flows elegantly on "Cinema Paradiso." When Washington joins in, his passionate tenor rings like a bell on the Isley Brothers' "For The Love Of You" and Neil Young's heartfelt "Birds." Keezer, who's been with the likes of Jim Hall lately, is a perfect mate for Mraz, as they take "The Shadow Of Your Smile" to romantic glory. Impressive debut by a singer who sounds like he can do a lot, and Locke has created the perfect environment here.