"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

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