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We've had a big loss of organists and soul-jazz musicians in the last few years, including such big names as Stanley Turrentine, Brother Jack McDuff, Shirley Scott, Big John Patton and organist
Charles Earland, who died in 12/1999.
The Charles Earland Tribute Band was created to carry on the tradition of soulful jazz. Organized by drummer Vincent Ector, an alumnus of Earland’s group and fellow native of Philadelphia, the band's other musicians include Earland alumni trumpeter James Rotondi, saxophonist Eric Alexander and guitarists Pat Martino and Bob DeVos, plus Philadelphia organist Joey DeFrancesco and percussionist Kevin Jones. (It’s not surprising to find DeFrancesco at the keys and pedals—he’s recorded tributes to fellow Philadelphia organists Jimmy Smith and Don Patterson.)
Half of the tunes on Keepers of the Flame are originals by group members and most use the traditional head/solos/head structure, which can sometimes sound cliched, but works here. The arrangements get more variety by altering the order and sound of the soloists. Most of the tunes have a swinging and soulful groove.
Some highlights: Pat Martino, who knew Earland during their student days in Philly, lets loose on some of his fast guitar phrasing on his composition "On The Stairs." Saxophonist Eric Alexander is featured on the ballad "The Closer I Get To You," which sounds like it could fit right in late night in a smokey, sleepy bar. Another ballad, Karen Lopez-Ector's "What Love Has Joined" has a slight melancholy feeling. Keepers of the Flame is a nice tribute and a fine recording.
Release Date: 15 Oct 2002
Charles Earland Tribute Band:
Keepers of the Flame (HighNote)
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last update 29 December 2002