Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Lucas Pino No Net Nonet: The Answer Is No

Lucas Pino No Net Nonet: The Answer Is No

By Jack Bowers
December 28, 2017
View read count

Lucas Pino No Net Nonet: The Answer Is No

With one well-received album under its belt, composer / tenor saxophonist

Lucas Pino

saxophone, tenor
b.1987

" data-original-title="" title="">Lucas Pino's well-groomed New York City-based No Net Nonet is back for a second go-round, The Answer Is No. For the benefit of curious souls who wonder what question may have inspired the reply, it is, we are told, Pino's answer "to a world inundating us with constant opinions, ideas, and manufactured narratives" and an "invitation to listeners to unchain themselves from any preconceived expectations, opening them up to infinite possibilities."

Those who are concerned that such an avowal may foreshadow "free jazz" can rest easy. Pino's seven compositions, which comprise the whole of the album, are nothing of the sort. Modern, yes; demanding, yes again. But never disavowing conventional form and structure. Pino's writing has more in common with

Charles Mingus

bass, acoustic
1922 - 1979

" data-original-title="" title="">Charles Mingus or

Bob Brookmeyer

trombone
1929 - 2011

" data-original-title="" title="">Bob Brookmeyer than, say,

Anthony Braxton

woodwinds
b.1945

" data-original-title="" title="">Anthony Braxton or

Julius Hemphill

saxophone, alto
1938 - 1995

" data-original-title="" title="">Julius Hemphill. The Nonet's lineup is customary too: trumpet, trombone, three saxophones and rhythm.

Pino makes the most of that, deftly balancing an intimate small-group sound with that of a much larger ensemble. While his themes are multi-textured, making full use of the group dynamic, they leave ample room for solos as well. Trumpeter

Mat Jodrell

trumpet
b.1980

" data-original-title="" title="">Mat Jodrell is first in line on the vibrant opener, "Pick 'Em Up, Turn the Lights Out," before Pino takes charge and leads the way home. Pianist

Glenn Zaleski

piano
b.1987

" data-original-title="" title="">Glenn Zaleski is heard first on "Take a Walk in the Sky," but it is Pino and alto

Alex LoRe

saxophone, alto

" data-original-title="" title="">Alex LoRe who do much of the heavy lifting on the powerful anthem.

After an opening trumpet / trombone chorale, "The World Ahead" settles into a straight-ahead groove that suits well Pino, Jodrell and trombonist

Nick Finzer

trombone
b.1988

" data-original-title="" title="">Nick Finzer. The ethereal "Sea Level" pairs sensitive ensemble work with steady comping by bassist

Desmond White

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Desmond White, while the mid-tempo "Sidestep" embodies more assertive tenor from Pino and a congenial guitar solo by Rafat Sarnecki. Baritone

Andrew Gutauskas

saxophone, baritone

" data-original-title="" title="">Andrew Gutauskas is superb on the picturesque "Mass-Produced Person," Zaleski and Pino likewise on the fast-moving finale, "I Can't Remember." In sum, an exemplary second outing by Pino's topnotch No Net Nonet.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Pick ��Em Up, Turn the Lights Out; Take a Walk in the Sky; The World Ahead; Sea Level; Sidestep; Mass-Produced Person; I Can��t Remember.

Personnel

Lucas Pino

saxophone, tenor

Lucas Pino: leader, composer, tenor saxophone; Alex LoRe: alto saxophone; Andrew Gutauskas: baritone saxophone; Mat Jodrell: trumpet; Nick Finzer: trombone; Rafat Sarnecki: guitar; Glenn Zaleski: piano; Desmond White: bass; Jimmy Macbride: drums.

Album information

Title: The Answer Is No | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: Inside Out Music

PREVIOUS / NEXT

Some Other Time/Slow Caf��
< Previous

Ancient Agents
Next >

Lucas Pino Concerts

Sep 23 Tue

Shawn Purcell Album Release Show: Oblivity

Chris' Jazz Cafe
Philadelphia, PA

Sep 23 Tue

Shawn Purcell Album Release Show: Oblivity

Chris' Jazz Cafe
Philadelphia, PA

Support All About Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

Go Ad Free!

To maintain our platform while developing new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity, we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for as little as $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination vastly improves your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.