'Luny Tune' Essence All Stars, Organic Grooves

by Larry Young
Kenny Garrett, sax
Joey DeFrancesco, organ
Tony Purrone, guitar
Lenny White, drums

from Organic Grooves, 1996
http://www.amazon.com/Organic-Grooves-Essence-All-Stars/dp/B000001BI9/ref=sr_... The history of jazz organ is a rich one. The grandfather of it all was 'Wild' Bill Davis, whose romantic big-band style and rich harmonies, put the organ on the map. This type of boisterous, chordal playing, carried on by others such as Milt Buckner, and later, Shirley Scott, was all the rage, until Jimmy Smith came on the scene in the early 50's. Smith 'cooled down' the organ. He used it less like a big-band and more like a horn. Harmonically, he drew more from the beboppers than from the swing players. The buoyant feeling he created on the organ (and still does) and the glassy tone he achieved from his drawbar settings, influenced every player who followed him. Jack McDuff, Jimmy McGriff, Groove Holmes, Charles Earland, Don Patterson, and Larry Young -- all very important figures in the history of the organ -- were influenced by Jimmy Smith in one way or another. Undoubtable, Dr. Lonnie Smith was also influenced by Jimmy Smith, but today he belongs in a class by himself. Lonnie is a master of drama, of space, and of color. As an improviser, he is thoughtful, compositional, unpredictable. As an accompanist he is like an orchestra, creating textures and sonic effects that one wouldn't think was possible on the organ. (Listen to him, for example, behind Joey DeFrancesco on 'Broadway'). But more than anything else, Lonnie plays 'in the moment,' and always sounds inspired. He is a true artist. Joey DeFrancesco has proven in recent years that he is much more than a musical descendant of Jimmy Smith. In addition to his obvious technical proficiency, he is harmonically sophisticated and builds his solos logically and dramatically. (Check him out on 'Luny Tune'). He is also a sensitive accompanist, knowing how to play tastefully and supportively without ever getting in the way. Most importantly, Joey swings -- and without that, what's the point? The supporting band on this date is impressive. Idris Muhammad has one of the greatest 'feels' of any drummer in the history of jazz. His presence here brings the music to another level. Kenny Garrett, not heard often in the organ setting, plays as unpredictably as always, and his unique rhythmic concept frequently sparks the band, creating some great group interplay. Grover Washington Jr. is a welcome addition to 2 tracks on this session. His unmistakably smooth sound is an effective contrast to Garrett's hard edge. Tony Purrone's excellent comping and harmonically and technically impressive solos are a driving force behind the band. Finally, one cannot overlook the efforts of the versatile drummer Lenny White, who produced this and many other excellent sessions. Lenny graces us with a steady groove on 'Luny Tune' fueling the band in the unique way that he is known for. I hope you enjoy this CD as much as I do. Apart from being inspired, hard-swinging, and plain-old fun, it drives home the fact that jazz organ is alive and well! --Larry Goldings, 1996

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Trio
• Guitar
• Jazz
• Jazz Guitar
• Tony Purrone
• Joey DeFrancesco
• Lenny White
• Kenny Garrett
• Joe Pass
• Wes Montgomery
• Django Reinhardt
• George Benson
• Pat Martino
• John McLaughlin
• George Van Eps
• Jim Hall
• Jimmy Raney
• Tal Farlow
• Johnny Smith
• Virtuoso
• Herb Ellis
• Martin Taylor
• Grant Green
• Kenny Burrell
• Lenny Breau
• Ed Bickert
• Pat Metheny
• John Scofield
• Organ
• Jazz Organ

[bunnyzero0]

Wow. Thanks for the history. Great song