Albums: Lonnie Plaxico

Mélange, Blue Note

The problem with albums led by bass players is normally one of self-indulgence – think of Ron Carter's silly piccolo bass, which no one else would allow him to play on their albums. But Lonnie Plaxico has been so modest that there doesn't feel like there's a leader at all on this album. There's no real identity or focus; this isn't helped by there being two front lines alternating on different tracks. Mélange has some half-decent tunes, and it's all very efficiently done. But there's no real reason to buy this album unless you're Lonnie Plaxico's mum.