For The Record
Mighty Ernie, 2025
9/10
The Toronto native and saxophonist Pete Mills pens a love letter to the timeless sound of the tenor saxophone and Hammond B3 organ quartet, where Tom Davis, Jon Eshelman and Zach Compton are in attendance.
“For The Record” starts with Mills’ rich tenor sax and Zach Compston’s frisky drums that make for much melody and rhythm, and “The Kid” follows with Tom Davis’ dreamy guitar that suits the bright sax prowess.
Entering the middle, “Kenny, Ken” offers a lively bout thanks to Jon Eshelman’s frisky organ prowess, while “Z Is For Zadie” takes a more emotive direction via the cozy wind, warm keys and strategic drumming.
Landing near the end, “Step On It” moves quickly and playfully thanks to the quartet’s frisky interaction, and “Baby Simon” exits with intimacy and sophistication that we could never tire of.
Mills draws from the rich heritage of Columbus, Ohio and takes inspiration from the likes of Stanley Turrentine and Jimmy Smith or Rusty Bryant and Hank Marr, and it’s an effort that’s not short on soulfulness and a striking personality.
Travels well with: Randy Napoleon- Waking Dream: The Music Of Gregg Hill & Randy Napoleon; Shawn Purcell- Oblivity