Steven Lugerner - It Takes One To Know One

Steven Lugerner, Garret Lang, Albert Tootie Heath
It Takes One To Know One

Release date: 04/15/2022

Slow & Steady Records announces the release of composer and multi-reedist Steven Lugerner’s new album It Takes One To Know One, which features drum legend and NEA Jazz Master Tootie Heath, and LA-based bassist Garret Lang. The release is a bunch of firsts for Lugerner – stretching out on straight-ahead jazz repertoire exclusively on the bass clarinet, in a chord-less trio supported by a legendary drummer. "It's another hard left turn," shares Lugerner, "an opportunity to swing and pay homage to the tradition with a living legend of the music. Tootie was always so supportive of me, and vocal about my efforts on the bass clarinet. The standard Bb clarinet was the first instrument I ever played, and the bass clarinet feels like a mansion of endless rooms to explore. Getting to build a house of music and joy with Tootie on this date was a dream come true."

The lineup and session for It Takes One To Know One was sparked by a previous recording (Altadena, 2016, Ropeadope) by acclaimed pianist and Slow & Steady Records labelmate Richard Sears. In 2013, Sears received a commission from the LA Jazz Society to write a suite of music dedicated to Tootie Heath, who mentored Sears at the Stanford Jazz Workshop, where Tootie taught for more than thirty years. “Playing in that band, and getting the opportunity to create music with Tootie was an incredible learning experience, and it seriously touched my musicianship,” recalls Lugerner.

In 2017, the Altadena ensemble had a performance at the Norton Simon Museum in Los Angeles. To make the trip from Tootie's home in Santa Fe to LA more substantial, Lugerner asked Tootie if he'd be up for a casual recording session. Since Sears' ensemble was so dense in harmony and featured multiple horns, Lugerner decided to go with chord-less trio, which inspired him “to be truer to the moment – to react to just rhythm and foundation.” Rounding out the group is LA-based swinging bassist and The New School classmate Garret Lang, who effortlessly locks in with Tootie from the first hit. “Garrett’s positive vibe combined with Tootie’s infectious humor is a very dangerous combination,” muses Lugerner.

The intention of It Takes One To Know One is to simply feel like a single, swinging set at a jazz club – no nonsense, just playin’ tunes. Lugerner forced himself to settle on five songs that captured the best moments, in particular, the joyous and invigorating sound that is Tootie Heath behind a drum set. “If I can play half that well when I’m in my eighties, I’ll be a lucky man,” says Lugerner. “Tootie is living proof that you never retire from music, that it’s with you forever.”

Steven Lugerner - Bass Clarinet
Garret Lang - Bass
Albert Tootie Heath - Drums

Recorded at Knobworld (Los Angeles) by Jim Lang
Recorded August 28th, 2017
Mixed and Mastered by Myles Boisen
Cover art by Luis Alves
Album design by Allie Washkin