New Market Music NEW 3064.2
Review copy supplied by Abels Music, Canberra
Reviewed by Tony Magee
A very cool selection of mostly original tunes is presented on this album by Jake Mason (Hammond organ), Matt Kirsch (guitar) and Ivan Khatchoyan (drums), with percussion on some tracks from Andrew Swann.
The distinctive drawbar sound of the Hammond, combined with it’s excellent breathy bass pedals is becoming a lost art and it is very refreshing indeed to hear this revived and played so well, particularly when combined with extremely tasteful guitar work and well punctuated rhythm.
Funky blues numbers include Humpback and Rusty Meat, whilst the title track, Steamed Up, is a funk-rock piece. The guitar is featured in the beautiful ballad Song for Sarah and the rather ethereal slow blues, The Lost World.
There are also swingin’ tracks like Hiding From Tyler and the bouncy Rev. Moses, plus a vibrant treatment of the Romberg song Softly as in a Morning Sunrise.
If you want to get your guests tapping and grooving, then I would highly recommend this one.
First published in Restaurant and Catering Magazine, February 2001