Organ trios aren't quite as ubiquitous as they once were back in the 1950s when the B3 hit the scene. Soon the combination of Hammond and Leslie speaker were everywhere from social clubs to jazz joints. The pedalboard made bass players obsolete even though some of the finest, usually recycled pianists, often struggled to coordinate their feet with their hands.
No such problem with this Athenian trio who are well-versed in the tradition laying down a funky groove that nods as much to Philly or Detroit as it does the Greek Capital.
Seven originals co-composed by Dimopoulos and Karlafti as well as a lesser known Burt Bacharach tune, My Little Red Book, make for a selection of danceable tracks. Around the World isn't the Victor Young tune that Buddy Greco and Matt Monro charted with but a catchy original that, to my ears is far superior. In fact all of the numbers are so catchy that I got the feeling that I knew them almost as soon as I heard them!
Surprisingly the two tracks augmented by Purling on piano, the aforementioned Around the World and Fun Island work well with no chordal clashes. Appointment in Athens has some fine trumpet playing by Henry Gergen who is also a member of the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific-Asia based in Japan. Presumably he got a furlough for the recording.
A special mention for drummer Kotzabasis. His drumming is sensitive and not in your face, quite the contrary in fact, which makes this album all the more appealing - to me! Lance
Korean Apartment; A Day in the Park; Around the World; My Little Red Book; Freeland (To OP With Love); Fun Island; Upbeat Mood; Appointment in Athens
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