If you were not aware, Living Standards II is protean drummer Karl Latham’s second adventurous jazz/jam journey exploring smash pop and rock hits that have become modern standards, following the well-received “Living Standards” (2016) featuring Mark Egan and Vic Juris.

“Living Standards II” once again, pairs Latham with good friend and iconic bassist Mark Egan and renowned guitarist Mitch Stein (Brecker Brothers, David Sanborn, Steve Kimmock). Top tier musicians, keyboardist Henry Hey (David Bowie, Bill Evans, Tedeschi/Trucks), renowned percussionist Roger Squitero and special guest vibraphonist Wolfgang Lackerschmid join Latham in stirring the creative pot on several of the selections.

“Living Standards II” draws influences from Miles Davis’ electric groups and jazz fusion groups of the 1970’s inventively paired with iconic class rock hits including Crosby, Still, Nash and Young “Carry On”, Buffalo Springfield’s “Rock and Roll Woman” and Steppenwolf’s “Magic Carpet Ride”.

1. Break on Through (To the Other Side) (9:20)
2. Rock and Roll Woman (4:31)
3. What Is and What Should Never Be (7:58)
4. Layla (8:56)
5. Matte Kudasai (7:53)
6. Magic Carpet Ride (6:21)
7. Carry On Part I (6:47)
8. Carry On Part II (4:59)

This brilliantly authentic and wholly absorbent new recording opens on the charged, near ten minute thrilling rendition of The Doors’ Break on Through (To the Other Side), a simply mesmerizing take on Buffalo Springfield’s Rock and Roll Woman, his all-embracing What Is and What Should Never Be (Led Zeppelin), and then comes a pulsating Layla (Derek and the Dominoes).

Along next is the veritably shimmering King Crimson ballad Matte Kudasai which is itself backed seamlessly by the funk-grooved Steppenwolf cut Magic Carpet Ride, the music coming to a close on the two-parter Carry On; the first Part I being a rhythmical cut here, Part II being a more prog-lithe version (both with a playful nod to Davis’ “Jack Johnson and Live/Evil”).

Musicians:
Karl Latham (Drums)
Mark Egan (Bass)
Mitch Stein (Guitar)
Henry Hey (Keyboards)
Roger Squitero (Percussion)
Wolfgang Lackerschmid (Vibraphone)

Official Purchase Link

www.karllatham.com