This is the second LP by
organist Sonny Phillips on Muse Records from 1977. Phillips is heard playing a
range of keyboard instruments, predominately the organ but at times and in
particular on the album's title track he lays down some masterful piano work.
He is joined by quite a stellar array of players including Virgil Jones on
trumpet, Eddie McFadden on guitar, Lawrence Killian on congas and percussion,
Charlie Persip on drums, Mervin Bronson on bass and John Stubblefield on tenor
saxophone. The tunes chosen for the album range from a number of jazz standards
and some more contemporary compositions; included are two of Phillips' own
compositions. Phillips although considered a junior amongst his fellow
organists clearly displays his own manner and style of playing, which in many
ways cannot be aligned to any major influence. His ability to write and play
piano sets him outside the core of the modern jazz organists that maintained
popularity throughout the 60's and 70's. Overall the music comes across as very
melodic and all players harmonise and interact seamlessly. This is enhanced by
Houston Person as producer and the resulting tracks are captured by the
masterful skills of Rudy van Gelder as the engineer. Recommended.
Muse Records, MR 5157, 1978
Recorded 9th
November, 1977 At Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey
Musicians:
Sonny Phillips - Keyboards
Virgil Jones - Trumpet
John Stubblefield - Tenor
Saxophone
Eddie McFadden - Guitar
Mervin Bronson - Bass
Charlie Persip - Drums
Lawrence Killian - Congas,
Percussion
Tracks:
A1. Free Like The Wind {Sonny
Phillips} (6:28)
A2. The Greatest Love Of All
{Michael Masser, Linda Creed} (2:53)
A3. Falling In Love With Love
{Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers} (7:28)
B1. Hard Times {Paul
Mitchell, George V. Johnson, Jr.} (7:02)
B2. Day By Day {Axel
Stordahl, Paul Weston, Sammy Cahn} (5:51)
B3. I Concentrate On You
{Cole Porter} (5:06)
Credits:
Producer - Houston Person
Engineer - Rudy van Gelder
Cover Design & Photograph
- Ron Warwell
Liner Notes - Tony Outhwaite
