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"Them That Swingeth" is the latest
release from Eddie Landsberg who is a monster on the B3 organ.
Eddie's debut CD "Remembering Eddie Jefferson" (Berghem) made it
on the National Jazz Week Charts and #1 in Philadelphia, as well as
the Top 10 in many local markets. The album featured an all star
ensemble including Blue Note recording artists Ben Dixon and James
Spaulding and Jazz guitarist Randy Johnston among others.
Originally from that great jazz organ
town, Philadelphia, he took his first jazz
organ lesson from Shirley Scott and then studied with the great Big
John Patton. Eddie relocated to Japan in 2003 where he plays
nightly swinging jazz organ at 'Eddie's Lounge' which he opened in
downtown Tokyo. Despite battles with authorities
over the noise, the club continues
to draw fans and musicians from all over Japan who come to sit-in and
test their chops. Eddie was kind enough to send me sample recordings
from a couple of these sessions. It was really bluesy,
funky and swinging with the crowd a little noisy but clearly into it.
If I ever find myself in Tokyo I
will definitely stop by Eddie's Lounge. Eddie says:
"My
aim in opening Eddie's Lounge has been to spread a simple belief...
that Jazz in its purest form should should be joyous, fun and
exciting... that true Jazz should be built on a deep love and
appreciation of culture and community, and be a celebration of this
through the active participation in a great American art form. My aim
has also been to revive and bring around the world the great hot,
hard and swinging experience of the neighborhood Jazz organ bars that
were once such a vital part of the urban American landscape in the
'50s, '60s and '70s in towns like Philly, Newark and Atlantic City,
and in doing so to create an artistic and social
milieu with a strong spirit of 'family', friends, comradery...
making our club welcoming and affordable to everyone (!)"
For the "Them That Swingeth"
recording, Eddie returned to Philadelphia and put together a killer
combo, two of which are alumni of Jack McDuff's legendary 'Heatin'
System', drummer Rudy Petschuaer and tenor sax
man Jerry Weldon , whom Eddie recalls hearing playing and
recording with the late, great organist, Bobby Forrester . Eddie
filled out the quartet with guitarist, Royce Campbell who compliments
the sound with a cool approach and effortless swing.
From the title track this music grabs
you and wont let you sit still, this CD is all about
rhythm and the groove. "Get Wicked" is a boogaloo tinged
tune with an infectious groove. Weldon wails on "Black
Orpheus (ala ossa funk)" and also shines on the CD's ballad,
"Laura". Eddie gets the old-time organ room sound on "Beautiful
Love" that is very reminiscent of his former mentor Big John
Patton. I think my favorite tune on this CD is their hard
swinging take on "The Sunny Side of the Street" that is as
upbeat as its name with incredible momentum and
solid solos delivered by all.
Swinging and
accessible the tunes on this CD would seem equally at home in
a juke-joint or jazz club. Fans of soul-jazz and B3 combos should
pick this one up. It is avaiable at CD Baby:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/landsberg3
Pete Fallico of KUSP-FM,
San Jose says:
Eddie plays with a sincere and
reverent nod to history and tradition. His appreciation for those
who made their contributions and yet received minimal
acknowledgment from the music industry, is revealed in this
latest quest to perform the music he truly loves in life. Eddie
feels that far too many organists lean toward Jimmy Smith and fail to
understand the rambunctious and raucous swing style of those who
preceded Jimmy. "Back in the day", says Eddie, "People
were dancing with the Jazz they heard. I want my music to be fun and
joyous like that...and this album leans towards this". Eddie
feels that it's not just about show-off solos but also more about the
feeling one can create...and the humanistic thrill Jazz Organ can
elicit.
In addition to performing and
recording, Eddie Landsberg has authored several instructional books
and videos on jazz, gospel, and blues music and the Hammond B3 organ.
More information on these, as well a lot of tips on playing the B3,
can be found on Eddie's website: http://www.eddielandsberg.com |