If you are like me, a fan of the Hammond B3 organ, then I can thoroughly recommend this album from session outfit 2B3. The album features some respected names, Doug Riley, Bill Payne, Michael Fonfara and Richie Hayward.
Producer Lance Anderson is the person behind this project, he has crafted a wonderful mix of well known and original tunes on this instrumental album. Lance has on every track, got two B3 players playing over a rock solid crisp rhythm section. Highlights of the CD are many, but the opening number "Hip Hug-Her" (Booker T & M.G's) absolutely swings. Rob Gusevs and Bill Payne squeeze every bit of juice out of the B3's whilst Richie Hayward lays down a driving beat on the drums, though not to be outdone, Dennis Pendrith on bass is magnificent.
"Steel Onions" (Lance Anderson & S. Kendry) is a play on "Green Onions" but that doesn't really matter as Michael Fonfara and Doug Riley are very impressive on this soulful piece of magic. Dennis Pendrith lays down a bass riff on the opening of "Gimme Some Lovin'" (Spencer Davis Group) as Michael Fonfara's B3 with two Leslie Cabs really make his B3 wail with passion. "All About My Girl" (Jimmy McGriff) has had new life blown into it by Doug Riley as he gives the pedals a good walk about, as Bill Payne lets rip with some great screaming rhythmic playing.
Richard Bell and Denis Keldie team up for "King Harvest" (Robbie Robinson) on this no nonsense wonderfully played piece, which also sees the guitarists shine, Mitchell Lewis and Colin Linden on Slide taking the honors. "Hush" (Joe South) is a powerful smoldering soulful rendition of this mighty song, Denise Keldie on lead organ is outstanding, Rob Gusevs gives great support on his B3 as Richie Hayward gives a solid beat whilst Dennis Pendrith bass playing is a joy. The album ends with a bonus track "Big Chief" (Earl King) which was performed as a jam whilst everybody was packing up at the end of a session and seems to be the fitting end to a gigantic album of joyful sounds.
Buy it now!
Make It Real Records e-mail address makeitreal@sympatico.ca
website for 2B3: www.makeitrealrecords.com
Simply click on the CD cover at left to order this CD NOW!
This review is copyright © 2002 by Dave Thomas, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission.
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