Rich Willey’s “Laid Back Vol. 1” is a cheerful, groove-forward jazz album that wears its title honestly, but not lazily. The record is built around seven Willey originals, arranged by Wally Minko for an 11-piece ensemble, with John Swana’s EVI (Electronic Valve Instrument) placed at the center of the album’s identity.
What makes the album work is the effort it makes to be accessible. Willey describes it as “groove jazz” designed to be joyful, and fun. But don’t confuse “laid back” with bland; these tunes are carefully built with clear melodies, strong rhythmic hooks, and generous solo space.
The opening track, “Laid Back (Night Life),” sets the tone with a reggae-tinted groove, island percussion and warm brass lines that give the track an old-school soul-jazz flavor. The album’s central creative tension is between Willey’s grounded, melodic trumpet voice and Swana’s more futuristic EVI sound. That contrast is especially effective on “Triple Play” and “Long Lost Brothers,” where trumpet and EVI trade ideas like two related but very different personalities.
Wally Minko’s arrangements are a major reason the album sounds as good as it does. The horn lines are bright and compact, often giving the music a bigger-band punch without overcrowding the groove. This is evident on “That’s My Little Girl,” which takes on a more buoyant and samba-like sound, with flute and soprano sax adding a warmer, more lyrical texture. “Hip Slick & Cool,” the closing track, is also a fitting finale, leaning into bluesy keyboard textures, funk rhythm, and another prominent EVI feature.
The production, handled at Palisade Studio in Chicago with Carey Deadman producing, Jim Massoth engineering, and Brian Schwab mastering, keeps the ensemble clear and bright. Nothing sounds muddy or overworked. The horns have bite, the rhythm section has body, and the EVI sits prominently without swallowing the band.
Laid Back Vol. 1 is a warm, melodic, groove-heavy jazz album with enough craft to satisfy serious listeners and enough sunshine to appeal beyond the jazz purist crowd. It may be too smooth-groove oriented for listeners wanting danger at every turn; but as joyful, accessible, musicianly jazz, it is very easy to recommend.