Intimately Live at the 501
In terms of skill and aesthetics, organist Tony Monaco had become the equal of his mentors by the time of his first album. He belongs in the company ofJimmy McGriffand that pair of Smiths,JimmyandLonnie(and not just because they all have first names that end with aysound). Organ trios have characteristics like no other combination of instruments. Monaco's trio hews to the genre's common musical language, but it is as soloists, and via choices of material, that their individuality truly flourishes. Recorded live in Columbus, Ohio, this set is a marvel. With drummer Louis Tsamous and guitarist Robert Kraut (replacing Derek DiCenzo) they make a perfect triangle. Where his previous release (Master Chops T) was divided between originals and covers, this one focuses almost entirely on the latter. "Mellow Mood" by the sorely overlookedDodo Marmarosais a spectacular display of the emotive voicings Monaco can bring forth from his Hammond B-3. This trio has chops and taste to give force and shape to everything from Harburg and Arlen's "Paper Moon" toWayne Shorter's "Footprints."-- David Greenberger