Essence All Stars CD

Personnel: Grover Washington Jr. (soprano & tenor saxophones); Kenny Garrett
(alto saxophone); Joey Defrancesco, Dr. Lonnie Smith (organ); Tony Purrone
(guitar); Idris Muhammad (drums).
Recorded at Clinton Studio B, New York, New York in January 1996. Includes liner notes by Larry Goldings.
Personnel: Tony Purrone (guitar); Kenny Garrett (alto saxophone); Grover Washington, Jr. (tenor saxophone); Joey DeFrancesco, Dr. Lonnie Smith (organ); Idris Muhammad (drums).
Liner Note Author: Larry Goldings.
Recording information: Clinton Stuido B, New York, NY (01/1996).
Photographer: Corey Sipkin.
Unknown Contributor Role: Milan Simich.
The Essence All Stars' Organic Grooves finds the group turning out good, if unexceptional, hard bop performances of songs by Larry Young ("Luny Tune"), Tina Brooks ("True Blue"), Lenny White ("Old Wine New Bottles") and Hank Mobley ("Smokin'"). ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
The Essence All-Stars, one of several notable ensembles gathered together by the Hip Bop label, pays tribute to the jazz organ tradition on this consistently groovin' CD. Organists Joey DeFrancesco and Lonnie Smith are heard on two songs apiece and jam cheerfully together on "Broadway." Altoist Kenny Garrett (who has the most advanced solos) is on three selections, while Grover Washington Jr. is on two; they both appear on Tina Brooks' blues "True Blue." Guitarist Tony Purrone helps out on all five tracks, and drummer Idris Muhammad is on four, while producer Lenny White sits in on drums for Larry Young's "Luny Tune." But even with all of the personnel changes, the music is pretty consistent, emphasizing bluesy grooves and soulful solos. There is enough variety to keep listeners interested, and despite a certain amount of predictability, the performances are quite accessible and enjoyable. ~ Scott Yanow
The Essence All Stars' Organic Grooves finds the group turning out good, if unexceptional, hard bop performances of songs by Larry Young ("Luny Tune"), Tina Brooks ("True Blue"), Lenny White ("Old Wine New Bottles") and Hank Mobley ("Smokin'"). ~ Stephen Thomas ErlewineDown Beat (2/97, p.49) - 3 Stars (out of 5) - "...It's a fun jam--cool and hip....the session smolders with B-3 fuel..."
JazzTimes (2/97, p.85) - "Lest we forget, B-3 organ burners...are to modern groove-jazz what, say, Hendrix is to acid-funk-guitar. The Essence All-Stars, ORGANIC GROOVES features two of the best--Dr. Lonnie Smith and Joey DeFrancesco..."