Hammond organist DAVE BRAHAM is a road warrior, a veteran of the bands of Houston Person and Etta Jones, Johnny Lytle, Mark Murphy, David “Fathead” Newman and Lou Donaldson. Originally from Pittsburgh, Dave has resided in Newark, NJ, a hotbed of jazz organ activity, for many years. On “To Be Free” the swinging keyboard artist presents a diverse set of music, from Duke Ellington (“I've Got It Bad”) to Billy Taylor (“I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free”), to Billie Holiday (“Some Other Spring”) and James Taylor (“You've Got A Friend”). With the stellar frontline horns of Warren Vache on cornet and Bill Easley on saxes, clarinet and flute, and master guitarist Vinnie Corrao making a rare recorded appearance, Dave's set is solidly in the McDuff/McGriff groove. His arrangements are slick, and the playing is superb. Drummer Greg Bufford and percussionist Diego Lopez round out the rhythm section. Ms. Doris Spears, “Duchess of Jazz,” delivers eloquent, Holiday-influenced vocals on two tracks, “Some Other Spring” and the original “I'm Not Through With Love.” Other original tunes include Braham's own burning opener “Blatt!” and the shuffling “Lopin' Along.” Lopez's congas provide the backbone for the samba “Minha Saudade,” as Easley's flute shines. The standards “Taking a Chance on Love” and “Am I Blue” swing and sway mightily; the latter offers Braham's incredible “squabbling” technique. Vache, in his only recorded experience with an organ group, sounds completely at-home with his incredible melodic inventions. “To Be Free” is a completely pleasing, toe-tapping experience that will satisfy all music lovers.

Additional Details

Label: Random Act Records

Genre: Jazz

Run Time: 40 mins

Release Date: 06/10/14

UPC: 884501200837