Radam Schwartz Organ Big Band

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Message From Groove And GW

Arabesque, 2020

9/10

Listen to Message From Groove And GW

An organist and band leader here, Radam Schwartz is in excellent company, as his 3 originals among the 10 tracks take help from the Abel Mireles Jazz Exchange Big Band on this masterpiece where David F. Gibson’s drumming anchors a very compelling listen.

“Trouble Just Won’t Go Away” starts vocally strong with a group effort before organs, brass and percussion interact playfully in the upbeat swing climate, and “Blues Minor” keeps the atmosphere playful yet emotive with plenty of rhythm on the John Coltrane cover.

At the halfway point, “What To Do” brings a frenzy of dynamic, mature musicianship where grooves arrive in spades with a cinematic appeal, while “Between The Sheets” scales the pace and volume back with a pretty execution of blues and jazz ideas. The title track, the album standout, then displays timeless blues skill in a busy display of immense skill.

Close to the end, “Work Song” offers sublime trumpet, trombone and alto sax solos, and “Von Gott” finishes the listen soft and in ballad territory as the ensemble reimagine Bach’s work.

Although Schwartz began as a piano player, his organ acrobatics are nothing short of stunning here, and combined with Gibson’s unparalleled skills, it results in a swinging and groove friendly adventure like no other.

Travels well with: Kenny Kotwitz & The LA Jazz Quintet- When Lights Are Low; Benny Rubin Jr.- Know Say Or See