With her first full-length jazz album, “Temperance,” Chinese-American guitarist Lisa Liu beckons listeners into a realm where jazz meets soul-searching and technical mastery. Known in New York’s post-rock circles as the revered guitarist of Renminbi, Liu built her reputation in dynamic experimental rock, but here, she steps into the jazz genre with an undeniable ease, partnered by tenor saxophonist Evan Hamaguchi, bassist Trevor Robertson, and drummer Ben Freidkin. Together, this quartet crafts an album that reverberates with Liu’s lifelong journey toward restraint, calmness, and release—qualities that define both the album title and Liu’s current artistic moment.
The album’s opener, “New Beginnings,” feels like a rallying cry from Liu and her ensemble, inviting us to embark on this journey with her. The track starts with a suspenseful guitar riff, tinged with subtle optimism before it gives way to Robertson’s bass line and Hamaguchi’s saxophone in a duet that feels like a sunrise. Liu’s guitar passages here are precise yet warm, embodying the fresh energy of embarking on an uncharted path. Her phrasing blends lyrical charm with seasoned intuition, an artistic dance that immediately captivates.
“La Plage” follows, transporting us to a serene, beachside atmosphere. Liu plays with space and silence, allowing Freidkin’s drums to echo softly between her delicate, lilting guitar notes. This track shows Liu’s gift for restraint; every note feels intentional and gentle, building a calm oasis amidst the album’s more energetic moments. The track’s pace is leisurely, with a playful edge that hints at relaxation tempered by reflection.
Yet Liu’s Temperance isn’t all about holding back; “The Vortex” is a testament to her prowess in translating pure energy into sound. This track swirls with intensity as Hamaguchi’s sax and Liu’s guitar weave a frenetic interplay that embodies urgency. Robertson and Freidkin hold down a pulsing rhythm section, amplifying the tension as if the quartet is indeed caught in a whirlpool of sound. Liu’s execution here is breathtakingly confident, her solos fluid and full of spirited bravado. As jazz historian Scott Yanow observed, Liu manages to sound relaxed in the heat of this musical whirlwind—a testament to her artistic balance and technical command.
With “La Maison De Beaumont,” the tone shifts again, embracing elegance with an almost cinematic flourish. Liu’s playing here reflects sophistication and nostalgia, her chords reverberating with the warmth and mystery of memory. Hamaguchi’s sax adds a touch of longing as if the track were an ode to an old, cherished home. Freidkin’s subtle brushwork on drums gives the piece a gentle rhythm that feels grounded and ethereal. This track shines as one of the album’s most emotive, showcasing Liu’s ability to communicate personal history through her instrument.
“Liu’s Blues” stands out as a raw, unapologetically spirited track. Here, Liu lets loose, injecting her guitar lines with a feisty, blues-infused attitude that speaks to her rock roots. The piece almost dances between jazz and blues, celebrating a complex blend of emotions. Hamaguchi matches her energy with buoyant, expressive saxophone lines, while Robertson and Freidkin keep a dynamic, steady groove. It’s a moment of release on Temperance, a break from Liu’s typically restrained style, allowing her to show off a grittier, more uninhibited side.
The journey toward inner peace returns with “Surflight,” a song that seems to drift over the waves with a graceful ease. Liu’s light, airy guitar strumming, and Hamaguchi’s mellow sax lines meld into a meditative and uplifting piece. Robertson’s bass and Freidkin’s soft drumming add an undercurrent that subtly propels you forward without disrupting the peaceful flow. This track exemplifies Liu’s talent for capturing natural beauty, imbuing it with a sense of awe and wonder that feels cinematic yet deeply personal.
“Mimi & Me” is a heartfelt dedication, likely to a personal relationship or memory close to Liu’s heart. Her guitar sings gently in this track, with Freidkin’s brushed drums and Robertson’s gentle bass creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere. There’s a vulnerability in her playing that draws you into a reflective, almost conversational piece; a duet of memories woven through guitar strings and bass notes.
In “Rendezvous,” Liu and her quartet breathe life into what feels like an exuberant meeting. The track pulses with syncopated rhythms, a dance of curiosity and anticipation. Liu’s guitar is bright and lively, while Hamaguchi’s saxophone flits in and out like dialogue between old friends. The chemistry between Liu and her bandmates is palpable here, creating a joyous and spontaneous atmosphere that feels like jazz’s quintessential gathering place.
Finally, “Temperance,” the title track, wraps the album with a balanced, introspective tone. Liu’s guitar takes a reflective journey, embracing quiet strength and self-awareness. The entire quartet shines in this piece, with each musician contributing their reserved elegance. Liu’s restrained solo reflects not only the themes of the album but her growth as an artist. This track is the heart of Temperance, where she embodies calm after an emotional storm, illustrating a journey toward peace and resolve.
Produced with an ear for balance, Temperance captures Liu’s virtuosity and the understated warmth of her sound. Each instrument is beautifully highlighted without overpowering the others, reflecting Liu’s attention to detail and respect for her fellow musicians. With “Temperance,” Lisa Liu steps confidently into the jazz world, carving a space that’s all her own. This album isn’t merely an addition to her discography but a declaration of who she has become; a thoughtful, seasoned artist in pursuit of steadiness.
Listen to the “Temperance” album on Spotify and SoundCloud
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