An Album a Day #2026-12
Lumen - Bill Laurence
Notes
The danger in being excited for something is that, even if it is good, it may not live up to your expectations. Lumen by Bill Laurence, of Snarky Puppy fame, reminded me how it important it is to shed my expectations before listening to a new record. My anticipation—not the album—let me down.
There's a lot to like about Laurence's newest solo record. The piano sounds good and the pianist plays well. You know there's a "but" coming, don't you? BUT... how do I put this... most of the songs felt like they were written for a move without no plot. There are lots of great melodic ideas. But (there it is again) few seem to develop, instead lingering or even devolve.
With one exception: "Dove" is a bluesy little jaunt that's so fun it got more than a few audible "hmmms" and "haaas" out of me. Bill knows it's good, too. He ends the song with a satisfied chuckle. Or was that Bill getting the last laugh having finally surpassed my expectations?
Listen
What is "An Album a Day"?
Each day in 2026, I'm listening to an album that:
- I've never heard before
- Was released in the last six months (from the time of listening)
