Mike Carr is a fine organist with a great rhythmic feel and a propensity for Jimmy Smith’s style. On the opening P & O Blues he might even be mistaken for Smith when that musician was turning out a series of trio albums with this identical instrumentation for Blue Note. Guitarist Smith is an excellent partner for the leader and Gein provides a steady and swinging beat. The three men work together beautifully.
All eight compositions are by Carr, who has quite a talent in the writing department. Mike employs the Moog on three titles – Northumbrian Aire, Goin’ To Louisiana and Julie – but he uses it tastefully as you might expect from this accomplished player.
There are sleeve tributes to Carr’s ability from Illinois Jacquet, Milt Buckner, Tony Scott and Ronnie Scott among others… a cursory listen to this LP will tell you that they are well merited.
Discography
P & O Blues; Northumbrian Aire; I’ll Never Leave Again; Goin’ To Louisiana (20 min) – Have You Met My Friend; Julie; Spinning Wheel; Downbeat After Dark (19¾ min)
Mike Carr (org/Moog); Terry Smith (gtr); Bobby Gein (dm). Rickmansworth, 1973.
(Ad-Rhythm ARPS-1020 £1.92)
