Pat Bianchi’s debut as a leader marks the Denver-based organist as a strong new voice in the current wave of Hammond B3 combos. Bianchi’s trio rides the groove hard, focusing on lesser-known standards for most of the set. Guitarist Mark Whitfield’s fleet-fingered fluidity and Byron Landham’s authoritative drumming match Bianchi’s explosive outbursts and conversational staccato passages, taking even the tightest turns with seemingly effortless zeal. The result is a catchy, eminently likeable soul-jazz romp.
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