"Groovadelphia" Reviewed in the Philadelphia Inquirer

[Ron S]

"Groovadelphia" gets reviewed in . . . . well, Groovadelphia:

Organissimo

Groovadelphia

(Big O Records ***)

Organ jazz was, back in the day, largely a Philly thing, and Groovadelphia is a Lansing, Mich., trio's gentle tribute.

Organist Jim Alfredson and guitarist Joe Gloss hooked up at Michigan State in the late 1990s, and their collaboration with drummer and harmonica player Randy Marsh juices up the genre.

Organissimo layers in R&B, groove, and some pop sensibilities that range as far afield as Frank Zappa. Whereas organ jazz used to be a soloist's domain, these guys make a balanced chamber-group statement. No one gets too far in front. And the trio doesn't quite get to frothy states of climax, as the Philly tradition long demanded. But it's still artful and respectful stuff, and the title track reaches reasonable heights of abandon.

There's also more range here. "Bleecker" is a big dollop of funk, while "Rhodesia" makes for churchy and mystical fare, and "Traces" heads in a suave pop direction.

-Karl Stark

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Organissimo will play Chris' Jazz Café, 1421 Sansom St., on Tuesday from 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Admission: $10/$5 students. Information: 215-568-3131. Organissimo will play For the Music Only, 435 Main St., New Hope, on Wednesday from 8 to 11 p.m. Admission: $20. Information: www.forthemusiconly.com.

http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment...?page=2&c=y

Edited June 14, 2009 by Ron S

[Jim Alfredson]

Thanks for connecting us with the Inquirer, Ron and for posting the review. Very cool!