The Duke Robillard Organ Trio – A Smooth One
10 tracks/60 minutes
A new album from Duke Robillard is always a welcome sight and this one is another great one to enjoy. An instrumental jazz trio of cuts recorded in the studio in Bruino, Italy in June 2022, Duke and his cohorts blends and wind their way through some fine songs that include a pair of pieces penned by Duke and the rest are tasteful covers.
Duke of course handles the guitar. Alberto Marsico is on the Hammond organ and is a delight to listen to. He had arranged some sessions for Duke when he was touring with Sugar Ray Norcia and he and Alberto decided to get in the studio together and put something together. Robillard brought his drummer Mark Texiera and the three of them put together a 10 cut set list that they nailed.
The classic tune “’Deed I Do” starts things off, a slick instrumental with Duke picking out some cool stuff on guitar. A subtle snare and groove and cool organ accompaniment and solo set a nice tone for this studio recording. It may not replace Blossum Dearie as my favorite version of this song, but it’s a slick instrumental that is memorable. “Rhythm Willie” is another fine instrumental featuring more of Robillard and Marsico giving the listener their money’s worth.
Duke’s “Body And Fender Man” is next. Duke cruises through the first half of the song and then it’s time for Alberto to take over, which he does expertly; Duke takes us home as only he can do. Next is the title track, slowed a bit down from the Charlie Christian original. Organ replaced piano and sax but it works so well.
“Gee Baby Ain’t I Good To You” is another old classic that os slow, savory and sublime. The organ sets a great mood as does guitar and drums. Lionel Hamptpn’s “Red Top” follows, stripped down from the big band version is a slick, understated and cool new package.
Fats Waller’s “Jitterbug Waltz” follows, a delightful stroll with Marsico laying out some fine organ to savor and then Duke reprising the fun with his guitar. The original “Jumpin’ At The Woodside” is a great jump blues cut that just makes the listener want to get on their feet.
“Exactly Like You” is a Jimmy Midnight cut with the trio replacing the typical big band sound in a delightful manner. The album concludes with “Sweet Georgia Brown,” a great standard that Duke makes his own with some outstanding guitar. Mid-cut it’s Alberto’s turn and Mark gives us a little nice drum solo to enjoy, too. Duke takes us home with the other two in support as the album rises to a nice conclusion.
Duke’s guitar tone is beautiful with these great jazz songs. His phrasing is excellent and, coupled with Alberto’s prowess on keys makes for a superb session. Texiera keeps the beat and groove going with his exceptional percussive skills. I thoroughly enjoyed this set of jazz tunes delivered by a blues, rock and jazz master and his trio that got put together in 2002 and wound up recording a memorable set of tunes for jazz and blues fans to really have fun with!
