Karl Latham is a well-established jazz and rock drummer and he has released a follow-up to ‘Living Standards’ with his latest album titled ‘Living Standards II’. If you love classic rock tunes but with a jazzy twist, then you’ll really enjoy this new record. Karl has revisited eight popular rock songs on ‘Living Standards II’ and has transformed them into tasteful jazz fusion pieces.
The album features a quintet of very talented musicians and they are: Karl Latham on drums, Mark Egan on bass, Mitch Stein on guitar, Henry Hey on keyboards, Hammond B3, Roger Squitero on percussion and special guest Wolfgang Lackerschmid on vibraphone. Karl Latham and his band have created phenomenal instrumentals that all give major justice to the original compositions. Through creative improvisations and musical integrity, Karl Latham tackles hit songs by music legends on ‘Living Standards II’. Featuring music by The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Buffalo Springfield, Eric Clapton, King Crimson, Steppenwolf and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Karl & company have reinvented and revitalized rock anthems.
As soon as you hit play, the listener is hit with a reimagined version of “Break On Through (To the Other Side)” by The Doors. With a jazzy spin and colorful arrangement, Karl supplies plenty of positive energy to help breathe new life into “Break On Through (To the Other Side)”. Next, a driving rhythm will ignite all your senses on “Rock and Roll Woman” by Buffalo Springfield. A sensational groove will sail through your eardrums on “Rock and Roll Woman” as Karl Latham delivers a superb set overall. Get ready for cool chords and rousing riffs on the following track “What Is And What Should Never Be” by Led Zeppelin. Karl is playing like a seasoned champ on this number where he is fully in the zone and bringin’ it home in style. “What Is And What Should Never Be” is a pure joy to listen to with its golden melodies hitting you from all directions. We are rollin’ into the next cut with a solid ‘n’ steady beat intact on “Layla” by Eric Clapton. Karl provides pristine orchestration and wonderful dynamics making “Layla” a top choice. I am hearing stellar instrumentation on “Layla” as Karl and his band deliver the musical goods in flawless fashion. Next, the listener will receive a healthy dose of fruitful daydreaming on “Matte Kudasai” by King Crimson. Embark on a relaxing and peaceful journey through sound & time on “Matte Kudasai” as this song will fill your mind & ears with sheer wonder and surprise. I am really diggin’ the next installment, “Magic Carpet Ride” by Steppenwolf with all the right notes hitting you. Karl supplies a fantastic jam that is soaring high and makes for one heck of a “Magic Carpet Ride”! Now, prepare to enter a musical dimension like no other on “Cary On, Part I” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young where excellent playing will keep the audience engaged from start to finish. Karl ends the 8-song set with one wild ride on “Carry On, Part II” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. A musical carnival of sorts floods your ears on “Carry On, Part II,” leaving the listener with plenty to chew on.
I appreciate and respect Karl’s thoughtful and inventive takes on some BIG songs as ‘Living Standards II’ lives up to the hype. This is Karl’s fifth album as leader and these recordings are stacking up to be quite influential. Karl Latham honors the original hits and artists while also adding his own distinct style to the mix. Original improvising can be heard from beginning to end on ‘Living Standards II’ making this alternative jazz album a must have and must listen! This new album drops on January 17, 2025 and you will most certainly want to get Karl Latham and ‘Living Standards II’ into your regular rotation ASAP! Jazz and rock collide like never before making ‘Living Standards II’ by Karl Latham a sure-fire hit and instant classic in its own right!
By Jimmy Rae
