Boogaloo to Beck: A Tribute
Organist Lonnie Smith has a history of tribute recordings, including two honoringJimi Hendrix, and one paying homage toJohn Coltrane. Those featured or co-billed guitaristJohn Abercrombieand tended to be more fusion affairs in theLarry Youngmode. For his venture into theBeckrepertoire he has brought aboard sax legendDave "Fathead" Newmanfor a decidedly funkier approach. The set leans heavily on the young Hansen'sOdelaytunes but manages to also include a smattering of songs from each of the artist's recordings. The harmonic and melodic limitations of the material are evident, but so too are its blues and funk roots. Beck's songwriting is all groove, attitude, and atmosphere making it ideal for the organ trio context. Drummer Lafrae Sci helps deepen the pocket, while triple-threat Doug Munro thickens the atmosphere as arranger/producer, and adds to the attitude with his tasteful and witty guitar work. These grease-meisters turn "New Pollution" into a stone shuffle, make "Devil's Haircut" more satanic, and often make the original recordings literally pale by comparison. As the honoree might say, this disc is "Where It's At."--Michael Ross