Deep Blue Organ Trio - Goin' To Town: Live At The Green Mill
Artist: Deep Blue Organ Trio
Title: Goin' To Town: Live At The Green Mill
Label: Delmark Records
Catalog Number: DE 569
Reviewed by Mark F. Turner
On most Tuesday nights since 2003, The Deep Blue Organ Trio has dished out a thick and satisfying dose of jazz blues at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge in Chicago, Illinois. This new recording which is a follow-up to their 2004 release Deep Blue Bruise captures the essence of the trio with music that sticks to your ribs and touches your heart, while presenting three highly skilled musicians who have formed a unique bond after playing together since 1992.
At the center of the group is Chi Town favorite, B3 organist Chris Foreman whose beautiful playing could be listed among names such as Lonnie Smith and Larry Young. But of equal importance are band-mates drummer Greg Rockingham who provides sweet rhythm work, and guitarist Bobby Broom who (if underrated) is one of jazz's most accomplished and stylized guitarists.
The music reflects the trio's mantra of "Blues is the preacher, Jazz is the teacher" with sounds rooted in ethnic music and articulated by jazz improvisation. And when the trio's chemistry is combined and extended to an appreciative audience; magic simply occurs. The six selections cover a variety of originals and standards such as a straight–ahead but distinct version of the Frank Sinatra favorite "The Way You Look Tonight" or the 70's R&B group Earth Wind and Fire's classic hit "Can't Hide Love."
The sound is excellent as heard on Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Once I Loved" as the ballad gradually builds in strength featuring Forman's delicate playing with a percussive sound that mimics a marimba leading into an incredible solo from Broom's sinewy hollow-body guitar, as Rockingham snaps, taps, and glides the Brazilian rhythm. The trio's ability to swerve smoothly from one idiom to the next is what makes the music enticing for fans of jazz, blues, or popular music. The inclusion of the bonus track "12th Of Never" conjures up poignant and heartfelt memories whether or not you're familiar with the classic hit. It not only sounds good; it also feels good.
Track Listing: Goin' To Town/ Once I Loved/ The Way You Look Tonight/
/12th Of Never /No Hype Blues; Lou/Can't Hide Love.
Personnel: Chris Foreman: Hammond B3 organ; Bobby Broom: guitar; Greg Rockingham: drums.
Deep Blue Organ Trio website: www.deepblueorgantrio.com