Review of Groovadelphia

[Lazaro Vega]

Organissimo's Groovadelphia... the whole package

I have to admit that when I preview new music from a group anchored by

the jazz organ, I do so with great hope.. A hope that there will be

fresh creativity and diversity within the selections. So many times I

receive new 'burner' albums where each song, one after the other, sounds

like the same session.. then repeated in reverse. I am happy this week.

A new CD came into the radioIO studios from the organ based trio

'Organissimo'. The album is called 'Groovadelphia'... and it destroys

all of the stereotypes.

Organissimo is led by organist Jim Alfredson with Joe Gloss on guitar

and Randy Marsh playing drums and yes... harmonica! 'Groovadelphia' sure

passed my test. The most notable experience I had on first listen of the

CD revealed the variety from one song to the next. Once I finished the

preview it became obvious to me that a major strength of this entire

package lies in the manner that each song compliments the entire

package. It is evident that much thought went into the recording and

production of this album.

Let me try to explain what you will experience when putting this CD in

your player. Of course there is the typical bop jam as we would expect..

'Third Right on the Left'. I especially enjoyed the organ solo on this

upbeat track. I couldn't keep my right hand still while listening. The

tune that immediately follows is 'Traces' with a mellow Latin feel. This

song has a spatial depth created by a complimenting dialogue between

Gloss on guitar and Alfredson on keys. The depth of expression from both

soloists captured and held my attention. Gloss's performance on

'Traces' blended with the subtle organ support is absolutely perfect...

it is simply beautiful. The entire album moves about like this. It is

rich in contrasts and diversity with constant surprises. I had to pinch

myself on occasion to remember that all that I am hearing comes from

only three players.

I am not usually partial to electronic effects and synthesis for jazz

production unless integrated with intelligence and taste. Sometimes

synthesized voices conflict with musical thought and can negatively date

the production. However, done correctly, the synthetically produced

sounds can be a huge draw for my personal enjoyment. I have often been

thrilled on the occasion when new voicings are used artistically such as

listening to track six.. 'If Not Now, When?". The use of the Synth solo

in this track is fabulously integrated, providing a texture that fits.

The deliberately funky 'Bleecker' and the fun 'My Sweet Potato Pie' with

Marsh on Harmonica battling it out with both Gloss and Alfredson are two

of my favorite songs from 'Groovadelphia'. We are going to have these

tracks and others from the CD out in front for weeks to come on radioIO

Real Jazz.. This is truly a magnificent collection of intelligent

arrangements and performance. Let me know what you think. Email

drmike@radioio.com

Submitted by drmike/ Michael Matheny/ radioIO Real Jazz www.radioio.com

<http://www.radioio.com/>

[Parkertown]

I just now finally ordered all 3 cds...

This review put me over...and I've got a little paypal balance...

[Jim Alfredson]

Hold up. You mean to tell me you don't own any organissimo discs and that you just ordered all three tonight?!?

[mikeweil]

Jim, you should make ordering all Organissimo CDs not yet in the aspirant's collection a condition for joining the forum!

[Parkertown]

Hold up. You mean to tell me you don't own any organissimo discs and that you just ordered all three tonight?!?

I know...I know... -_-

[Parkertown]

Also, I will confess to already having two Quartet Out cds...

But I ain't bought any Nessa cds...(I'm hunting down original Lps instead...even though Chuck says the new cds sound better thanks to a remix.

[Soulstation1]

i still needzzz this cd

[Bluerein]

Jim how much did you pay Michael for this raving review? (Just kiddin', added because my jokes are usually misunderstood.......)

[Parkertown]

Wow...the package with all 3 cds arrived Saturday. Super fast; thanks Jim.

I got to listen to WFTBS that evening...and was totally knocked out! Incredible tunes with deep, meditative grooves. Standout tracks for me were:

JOS goes to Washington, Young's Dream, Pre Dawn Rain and Decoder.

But the one that just killed me was Life Wish. Put me in a trance...

Fantastic sound on this set too. Nice fat bottom without being boomy. The cymbals are gorgeous. I think the track Jim engineered might even sound better than the rest. (You did the third album, right? I look forward to getting to that one, probably today...drivin' downtown...)

Love this cd! Oh, and the high-res photographs are a real winner too. I like the whole package.

I tried This Is The Place first thing Sunday morning, while reading the boards...

Didn't grab me like the first one, but I may have not been paying real good attention like the prior listening session.

Thanks for the music Jim & Co...and the great customer service too.

(I know I write poor, non-specific cd reviews...I should take notes while listening to really do better...)

[Jim Alfredson]

Thanks, Scott. If you like the first, I think you'll really like the third. I think the engineering I did on Lifewish was pure luck; I didn't know even 10% of what I know now and it was recorded in my dad's basement in a completely non-acoustically treated room. It's amazing it came out as well as it did. Although I think it is also proof that an inspired performance will trump immaculate engineering any day of the week.