December 1997

Charles Earland
Blowing The Blues Away
HighNote Records

By Owen Cordle

The title tune is by Horace Silver, as are "Strollin'" and "Quicksilver," two other tunes on this album. Veteran organist Earland allows in the liner notes that Silver had a great influence on him; thus, this album has a funky feeling (an expectation of most organ dates, anyway) and a Silver-ish front line of trumpet (James Rotundi) and tenor saxophone (Eric Alexander). There's a nice balance between the hard bop blowing of the hornmen (and guitarist Bob De Vos) and Earland's more fundamental solo approach. The organist has an effective solo style consisting of swinging riff-like lines that build all the way.

Besides the Silver tunes, we hear, among others, Herbie Hancock's modal "Dolphin Dance," the Isley Brothers' "For the Love of You" and the hymn "This Is the Day (The Lord Has Made)." Greg Rockingham is the quintet's drummer, a good one.