Third Degree Burn
Artist: Charles Earland

This excellent CD features organist Charles Earland, guitarist Bobby Broom, drummer Buddy Williams and percussionist Ralph Dorsey being joined by trumpeter Lew Soloff and either Grover Washington (on two songs) or David Newman (appearing on the other four) on tenor or soprano. The material may be unfamiliar (other than a Michael Jackson song),... Read More

Bop 'n' Blues
Artist: Cornell Dupree

Guitarist Cornell Dupree has long been famous for his blues and R&B solos, so even he was surprised (and a bit apprehensive) when label head Herbie Mann suggested he record a variety of bop-oriented standards. As it turned out, several of the tunes were blues anyway (such as "Bags' Groove," "Now's the Time," and "Walkin'") and Dupree was free to... Read More

Rhythm Stories
Artist: Bobby Lyle

Bobby Lyle's success since the release of 1989's classic Ivory Dreams has been due chiefly to his astonishing ability to combine acoustic piano elegance with relentlessly funky grooves, always on the same album, often on the same cut. That album's juxtaposition of "Lush Life" and "Loco-motion" offers a great case in point. While Lyle draws... Read More

Another Real Good'un
Artist: Jack McDuff

Another Real Good 'Un is a latter-day Brother Jack McDuff session which finds the organist joined by tenor legend Houston Person, as well as (at various times) alto/tenor saxophonist Ron Bridgewater, trumpeter Cecil Bridgewater, drummers Buddy Williams and Cecil Brooks III, and guitarists Randy Johnston and John Hart. It's one of McDuff's better... Read More

Prime Time
Artist: Jimmy Smith
Community Score: 10.00

For this Milestone release, organist Jimmy Smith utilized some of the top veterans then residing in Los Angeles, many of whom had been long underrated. With sidemen that include Curtis Peagler on tenor and alto, tenors Herman Riley and Rickey Woodard, either Phil Upchurch or Terry Evans on guitar, bassist Andy Simpkins, Michael Baker or Frank... Read More

Jump
Artist: Jimmy Ponder

Ponder is a good guitarist in the Grant Green school, a fine soul/blues player. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide Read More

Blue to the 'Bone
Artist: Jimmy McGriff

McGriff with Bill Easley on sax, Melvin Sparks on guitar, Bernard Purdie on drums, and Al Grey on trombone. The trombone is not that often found in the small-organ combo format and may not appeal to everyone. Smooth, yet funky. ~ Michael Erlewine & Ron Wynn., All Music Guide Read More

The Re-Entry
Artist: Jack McDuff

After a busy recording career in the 1960s, organist Jack McDuff was erratically documented in commercial settings in the 1970s and was in danger of being forgotten when he launched his successful comeback with The Re-Entry in 1988. At the age of 61, McDuff proved to still be in his prime as he jammed on three originals, two obscurities, and... Read More

Ivory Dreams
Artist: Bobby Lyle

The title says it all -- this is an absolutely dreamlike collection of tunes, both funky and straight ahead, written and performed by a masterful ivory tickler. After an illustrious career as mostly a sideman and/or musical director for R&B biggies like Anita Baker and Al Jarreau, this release established Lyle as a solo star, and rightfully so.... Read More

We Meet Again
Artist: Ramsey Lewis

Billy Taylor (p) takes the date, but Lewis shows chops he seldom taps these days. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide Read More

Red Holloway and Company
Artist: Red Holloway

Saxophonist Red Holloway (equally distinctive on tenor and alto) performs a more diverse program than usual on this Concord CD, infusing such songs as "But Not for Me," "Passion Flower," Thelonious Monk's "Well You Needn't," "Summertime" and two of his originals with plenty of soul and solid swing. Holloway, a masterful interpreter rather than... Read More

Jazz Organ Summit
Artist: Charles Earland

When four masters of the Hammond B-3 are on the same bill, it's a major event for lovers of soul-jazz and hard bop organ. Charles Earland is listed the leader, but the Philadelphia native is only one of four organists who take the spotlight on this superb live date, which was recorded at the DuSable Museum of African-American History in... Read More