More so than most, Bruce Katz takes a rough roadhouse approach to the Hammond B3 organ group on A Deeper Blue (Severn). The shuffles are greasier, and the playing is more primal and cathartic, especially by guitar killer Michael Williams. And the overall vibe is looser, nastier and more grooving. This is one great bar band. Katz himself is a killer on the B3, as he proves on the shuffle “Greasy Sticks,” the uptempo swinger “Poptop” and the hip boogaloo “(Why Don’t You Just) Go Home!” Guitarist Ronnie Earl makes guest appearances on two tracks, stinging in his inimitable fashion on the chugging Texas blues “Yeah, Maybe” and on a toe-curling rendition of Earl Hooker’s slow “Blues in D Natural.” Katz also offers up some accomplished Pinetop Smith-styled piano work on “Stovepipe Boogie” and a touch of N’awlins piano on “The Stroll,” but it’s mainly the B3 that we’re interested in here.
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