Nightcrawlers; Get Ready

The descriptive note enclosed with this CD describes this group as greasy, a complimentary term in jazz circles. I may take the liberty of going a step further by calling them a funky, boppy ensemble. Anyone who has read my reviews for any length of time knows that I'm far from a proponent of "organ jazz". Well, here's the exception. This group, so heavy into the blues, could ONLY work with the featured role for organist Chris Gestrin. Of course, it doesn't hurt that he performs alongside other dedicated players like Cory Weeds, tenor sax; Nick Hempton, alto sax; and Dave Sikula, guitar. The group is completed by Jesse Cahill, drums, and Jack Duncan, percussion. Seven of the eight tunes heard are groove specials dripping with with fun, excitement, and exuberance. The only standard in the set is the Gershwin brothers' "A Foggy Day". And don't miss out on "Tin Tin Deo", a certified bop creation done to perfection in this funky setting. Hats off to Cory Weeds, owner of Cellar Records. He just keeps on exploring every real deal aspect of jazz. He's one of the few these days, and a real breath of fresh air.

Cellar Records; 2022; appx. 62 min.