Greg Skaff Blues For Mr. T CD

With "Blues For Mr. T," New York guitarist Greg Skaff stakes his claim on the rich territory of the organ trio. With his blues-drenched sensibility, rhythmic assuredness, strong affinity for funk and his capability of blowing at breakneck tempos with app

Guitarist Greg Skaff takes a stab at the currently fashionable organ-powered combo genre with Blues for Mr. T, an album dedicated to one of the masters of the style and Skaff's former boss, Stanley Turrentine. Given his background with Turrentine, it's not surprising how comfortable the guitarist sounds, whether exploring such typical grooves as the shuffle on his own title tune or stretching the harmonic limits on the "Giant Steps"-inspired "Super 80." Those are just two numbers in a well-programmed nine-song set (six Skaff originals) that gives the trio plenty of musical fuel. Skaff's notes rise up like bubbles in a glass of lager. He always finds fascinating nuances in the well-worn form. He's ably assisted by the supporting crew. Organist Mike LeDonne grinds away, reveling in the organ's particular nasal sound like a supercharged harmonica. Drummer Joe Farnsworth keeps the music percolating, as one would expect from one of the top mainstream percussionists on the scene. As an ensemble they walk in step to the music. ~ David Dupont

Personnel includes: Greg Skaff (guitar); Mike LeDonne (organ); Joe Farnsworth (drums).