Jeff Hamilton, Akiko Tsuruga & Graham Dechter – Equal Time – [TrackList follows] – Capri O, 46:55 [6/21/19] ****:
(Akiko Tsuruga – Hammond B-3 organ; Jeff Hamilton – drums; Graham Dechter – guitar)
Hammond B-3 organist Akiko Tsuruga, guitarist Graham Dechter and drummer Jeff Hamilton echo the ageless pleasures of classic organ trio jazz on their 47-minute album Equal Time, a record which works well because the threesome don’t swathe their material with too much cliched grits and gravy in the mix but don’t go light on the soulfulness, either. After Tsuruga emigrated from Japan to New York City, she issued well-received projects as a leader, including the 2017 live release So Cute, So Bad with Hamilton and Dechter. Tsuruga is probably best recognized for being in Lou Donaldson’s band. Hamilton is known as co-leader of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra; in addition, he has performed with Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney, the Count Basie Orchestra, Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown and has toured and recorded with Diana Krall. Dechter is an alum of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and his credits include Atsuko Hashimoto, another Hammond B-3 organist from Japan.
The eight lengthy tracks are a balance of originals and covers by Hank Mobley, John Coltrane and Steve Allen. Equal Time kicks off with assurance with the pivoting Tsuruga composition “Mag’s Groove,” a blues-based winner which fuses passion, creativity and lively groove. The arrangement is attentive and the three solo but also superbly support each other. Tsuruga showcases how closely she has listened to B-3 players such as Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, Jimmy McGriff and her mentor Dr Lonnie Smith. Dechter’s style and sound is reminiscent of antecedents such as Wes Montgomery, who did some stints with Jimmy Smith. The upbeat vibe continues with Dechter’s vibrant “Orange Coals” which helps disclose the trio’s expert understanding of organ/guitar/drums soul jazz. During “Orange Coals” Hamilton provides a conspicuous drum/percussion solo which demonstrates his long commitment to driving rhythm. The threesome head south of the border on Tsuruga’s delicious “Osaka Samba,” which is enlivened by Hamilton’s nuanced brushes and Dechter’s fluid lines which suggest Montgomery, Jim Hall and other likeminded guitarists.
There’s a bit of gospel and a whole lot of soul on a rendition of Mobley’s “A Baptist Beat,” (from Mobley’s 1960 Blue Note LP, Roll Call). Dechter supplies masterful guitar soloing while Tsuruga comps underneath and Hamilton furnishes a swaying and grooving rhythmic foundation. The trio goes all out into hard bop territory on a fast-paced translation of Coltrane’s “Moment’s Notice” (from Coltrane’s 1958 record, Blue Train). In the hands of Hamilton, Tsuruga and Dechter “Moment’s Notice” becomes a high-speed and wild ride full of animation and energy. Another swinging cover is the standard “I Remember You,” previously done by Hank Jones, Cannonball Adderley, Charlie Parker and others. Dechter again displays his finesse on guitar with fleet-fingered lines, while Tsuruga exhibits her impressive keyboard talent. Things get slightly less rambunctious on a CD-closing, seven-minute adaption of Allen’s “This Could Be the Start of Something Big,” a tune Allen used to open his television talk/variety shows. The piece garnered status when it was done by Count Basie, Tony Bennett, Fitzgerald, Lionel Hampton, Grant Green and many more. Equal Time is an invigorating success for this soul-jazz organ trio and hopefully Hamilton, Tsuruga and Dechter can continue their captivating coalition and affirm why organ jazz music is always an appealing prospect.
TrackList:
Mag’s Groove
Orange Coals
Osaka Samba
A Baptist Beat
Moment’s Notice
Lion’s Gate
I Remember You
This Could Be the Start of Something Big
—Doug Simpson
