Steve Markoff and Patricia Lazzara’s new single “Layla” is an unexpected delight. The alto and concert flutist, respectively, revamp Eric Clapton’s rock classic into a jazzy instrumental with light classical affectations. This cover is a likely candidate for the duo’s forthcoming third album set to hit in June of this year, but even a single listen makes it clear the track has standalone value.
There are several standout elements defining the song. The production does an excellent job of delineating the differences between Lazzara and Markoff’s instruments and weaving Allison Brewster Franzetti’s piano into the arrangement. It is a surprisingly faithful rendition given the radical difference in context, and fully embraces the song’s melody rather than tinkering. Dmitriy Varelas’ arrangement for the three players allows each one ample space to shine while emphasizing the necessity of attacking the composition as a unified whole.
Lazzara and Markoff enjoy sturdy reputations for, in their modest way, extending the flute’s possibilities in modern music. Longtime listeners are unquestionably familiar with hearing the instrument featured regularly in the music of Jethro Tull and The Moody Blues, among others, but transposing one rock music’s most iconic guitar riffs is another matter. Don’t ignore the underlying boldness and outright ambition of such a move.
It’s even more impressive that they pull it off and as an instrumental. The band are actually covering Clapton’s own cover from his popular early 1990’s Unplugged album rather than the fire and brimstone electric rock of the original track. Nevertheless, if your favorite is Clapton’s version of the song with Derek and the Dominos, it’s a safe bet you will experience the same spark of recognition with Markoff and Lazzara’s take. The same distinctive stride in the riff comes across well on flute and the pair definitely infuse their respective performances with audible vigor.
It isn’t a cover in miniature either. Lazzara and Markoff take on the virtual entirety of the original version, adjusting where necessary, but otherwise produce a powerful interpretation of Clapton’s classic. It doesn’t surge with the same sort of decibel-driven passion of Slowhand and company. It intertwines two distinctive voices rather than being dominated by one and arguably inspires an even-wider range of emotions than its esteemed predecessor.
If it is a taste from their upcoming release, and there’s no reason to suspect otherwise, Lazzara and Markoff’s third collection promises to be their best yet. The sound of three musicians working with absolute confidence is definitely present in “Layla” and such moments aren’t isolated. There’s also, however, the sound of something more elevating this single.
Chemistry born from intimacy, not romantic intimacy, mind you, but rather long creative partnerships between like-minded creatives. Markoff and Lazzara’s musical collaboration began years ago when the younger Markoff visited Lazzara seeking out flute lessons. Lazzara took him on and, over time, the teacher/student connection evolved into something much different. It isn’t a story you hear often, in any style, and it’s something they should play up more. The music, however, is more than enough.
Claire Uebelacker
The music of Steve Markoff and Patricia Lazzara has been heard all over the world in partnership with the radio plugging services offered by Musik and Film Radio Promotions Division. Learn more https://musikandfilm.com