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Alan Brown Trio: About That Time

New Zealand organ trio recordings are few and far between. There just aren’t very many organists working professionally here. ‘About That Time’ by the Alan Brown Trio is an extremely varied and very well executed addition to a legacy dating back to the days of Jimmy Smith and Wes Montgomery. Unspoken is one of the disc’s highlights. Brown’s melodica melody is catchy and powerful while the reggae groove underneath is formidable, Josh Sorenson showing just what a rock-solid drummer he is. Pause For Thought has the Hammond organ set to the most ‘gospel’ of drawbar settings and Brown’s Wurlitzer piano carrying a heavy tremelo effect. Inciteful is slightly reminiscent of Spencer Davis Group’s late-’60s hit I’m A Man and one of the funkiest tracks. Dixon Nacey’s razor-sharp guitar tone is a standout, as is Brown’s uplifting Wurlitzer solo. The variety of different grooves and tempos on this album stand out as one of the group’s strongest attributes. Styles touched on include jazz, funk, Klezmer, reggae and pop which is impressive and bold for a trio, especially all in one album. Yes, this CD has a bit of everything; late night serenades, stompin’ party grooves and modern jazz exploration. Recorded last year in Auckland, the sound is well-mixed and vibrant throughout. Warmly recommended.

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