Customer Reviews

Sweet Science

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Evidently not a group to rest on their collective laurels, the Larry Goldings trio again push forward the boundaries and possibilities of the organ trio.Apart from Bacharach and David's "This Guys in love with you" and Rogers and Harts "Spring is here" all the writing credits are various combinations of the band members. Possibly these two tracks were included to provide a counterpoint to the angular styling of many of the other tracks. Each of the group members is given tracts of space to develop ideas, and the recorded sound is excellent. Drummer Bill Stewart makes great use of cymbal sound (especially on his own composition "Chorale")and at times there's an austere and sparse drum sound- and none the worse for that. Peter Bernstein uses a variety of effects to achieve an often ethereal guitar sound (listen to "Solid Jack" and "Come in and pray").Goldings probes and fills on all the tracks with "Pegasus" being particularly good.Stewart and Goldings combine well, especially on the oblique "Gnomesville". This is not an album that gives instantly. It's a sound that is stretching away from previous conceptions of what a trio of this kind might produce. It's pleasing to think that they are willing to take the chance to do this, instead of settling for a safe and predictable format. Highly recommended, and further notice that the Hammond organ (actually a modified C2 in this case!) still has a central role to play in jazz in 2002.

Long Winded...B.S., Im a jazz musician myself, and listen to the solos and group dynamic on all the compositions, especially "Asimov" and "Spring is Here". Larry's solo on "Spring is Here" is one of the best I've heard. Overall, this album is one of the best jazz albums released recently, and one of my personal favorites. Just listen to that hip behind the beat melodic playing...these guys dig in so hard.

I was surprised to see this album had a four-star review because, hands down, this is a five-star album. The writing is first-class, the cover songs are tasty, and the playing has a certain looseness that is not always captured on Goldings' previous albums. They let it hang out a bit, and it really works. I hope they continue in this vein in future recordings. If you like this album, check out "Light Blue", which is more straight ahead but also super heavy.

Larry Goldings has in the last few years, taken Hammond Jazz to a new and exciting place. With each new CD, he has pushed just a little farther into unknown territory with regard to jazz organ. He leaves behind the familiar greasy grooves for a fresh new approach. His solos are interesting with lots of fourths in creative patterns not heard in this context before. Larry is not at all into the screaming, bombastic Leslie spinning stuff we are all used to, His approach is dark and ethereal with wonderful harmonic content, interesting voicings and intense interplay with his fellow musicians. Peter Bernstein, quite possibly the finest organ trio guitarist on the planet, does a remarkable job of backing Larry's solos, and his lines are among the most musical and melodic I have ever heard. His guitar just sings! Their ensemble work reminds one of Wes Montgomery and Mel Rhyne in some ways. Behind all this, swinging like no tomorrow, is Bill Stewart, never obtrusive, yet always innovative in his use of all the colors in his drum kit. He is not just a timekeeper, but a tonal force on this CD contributing an almost melodic counterpoint to the interplay between Larry and Peter. The tunes are a mix of standards and fresh new originals. This is in my opinion a breakthrough CD. All through the CD we are treated to new ideas...Larry's use of the 51/3" drawbar for an odd harmonic solo voice. The sheets of sound on gnomesville. The very hip modified blues solid jack. The almost George Shearing like ensemble playing on this guy's in love with you. This CD is a must have. This group has grown into an important force in jazz. through sheer innovation , thinking outside the box and maintaining a very high level of musicianship........GY.

I have enjoyed Larry and Peter live, and thought this CD might
also be good, but it just doesn't translate. Its obviously a ride they are enjoying,
but ethereal it is not. Unfortunately, boring is the word of the day.

And if one more group does homage to Burt Bacharach, I may become
ill. All together, this CD is a disappointment.

Sue Durbani, New York, NY