Distinctive organist Richard "Groove" Holmes carved out a musical niche of his own playing with jazz greats including Ben Webster, Gene Ammons, Houston Person and Jimmy Smith. This 1964 Warner Bros. album captures his spirited sound and features both mellow ballads and exuberant up-tempo numbers.

Personnel: Richard "Groove" Holmes (organ); Richard "Groove" Holmes (Hammond b-3 organ).

Liner Note Author: Johnny Mangus.

Director: Nick Venet.

Arranger: Onzy Matthews.

This 1964 date pairs organist Richard "Groove" Holmes with an uncredited studio big band for a set of funky steamers. Onzy Matthews arranged and conducted the band that overdoes it in extremis, making it all sound overly dramatic and cheesy. Holmes, however, was in fine form here and his performance is flawless. Readings of "See See Rider," "Your Old Wagon," and "Roll 'Em Pete," would have been stellar if the accompaniment had been fitting. This disc is for Holmes completists only. ~ Thom Jurek

Genre:

• Jazz

Labels:

• Collectables Records

Music Categories:

• Jazz Instrument: Soul Jazz

Product Groupings:

• Clearance CDs
• Collectables Records - Audio CDs