DigDogDo are a Swedish trio comprising Tobias Grim on guitar, Simon Jonsson on Hammond organ and Ossian Ward on drums and, from the seven tracks on offer here, they seem to be doing everything correctly.
Now I’ll admit that I’m not a huge fan of the organ trio, the lack of a dedicated bass player to add their own character (as opposed to the organ bass pedals) always makes me feel as if something is missing… but I also admit that after listening to this album three or four times, I am finding myself reassessing my initial concerns. There is an intricacy in the playing that really lifts the album; it’s purposeful, wholly intended and makes the album a joy to listen to.
We open with two songs that act as introductions. There are moments of space around the music but it’s enjoyable, giving an uncluttered sound. The album kicks up a notch with the wonderfully titled Boo Be Boo featuring alto sax from Martin Bjurek Svanstrom. From this moment on the album really finds its groove and crackles with tracks like Elvans Blues, Yahelism and final track Take a Walk. I’ve been letting the album play on rotation for a few days and it improves each time it’s heard with just enough variety to keep things interesting.
Yes, I would have liked a bass player creating some tasteful solos but would it improve the overall sound that much? I’m not sure. The trio works, it’s inoffensive, nicely put together and sits on the cool side of jazz.
Discography
Like This; Evolution; Boo Be Boo; Night Watch, Elvans Blues; Yahelism; Take A Walk (48.00)
Tobias Grim (g); Simon Jonsson (org); Ossian Ward (d). With appearances by Martin Bjurek Svanstrom (as); Anton Olsson (pc); Einar Thorn (pc). Gothenburg, Sweden, 2022.
Hoob Records HOOBCD116
