Wonderful Cd...Beautiful sounds...FANTASTIC!!

Given my need for variety, it's rare that the debut release of a young Jazz organ player can make into my high-rotation selection. Jeremy Baum's Lost River Jams is one of these rare debuts. A talented player who knows the intricacies of the organ as well as players twice his age, Jeremy gives us a great selection of seven memorable originals and four interesting covers. Accompanied by veteran sidemen, Jeremy tears through the funky "Take A Walk" and "Oasis Jam", rips through the swingin' "JB Shuffle" and "Liberty Street" which includes some great Wes-influenced guitar work, and burns through the bluesy "Goin' Home" as well as "Amazing Grace". We are also treated to a rockin' bluesy vocal cover of B.B. King's "Rock Me Baby" with Bill Perry on vocals, and a seriously swingin' Latin treatment of "Autumn Leaves". Solid guitar and drum work on all the numbers; Jeremy gives up the bass work on only two tracks, but never his fine song writing talent. All I can say, B3 fans, is if you're looking for variety and great music, go find Lost River Jams!

Native New Yorker Jeremy Baum has his roots in the blues, having played with his own blues band as well as working alongside Richie Havens and Ronnie Earl. He has also worked as a session musician (including the Band), but since 1997 has been fronting his own trio. Their debut "Lost River Jams" has now been released on Flying Yak. Baum plays a cut down Hammond B-2, and it is the familiar Hammond sound that dominates the album. This all starts with the easy going relaxed groove of "Take A Walk," which sets the mood for much of what is to follow. Although rooted in the blues, the trio (organ, guitar and drums) also incorporate other elements into their sound. On "Liberty Street," for example, where the basic trio is augmented by Malcolm Gold (bass), they successfully venture into Latin territory. This memorable tune has shades of Santana about it in places. After hinting at New Orleans funk on "Oasis Jam," the band get around to more bluesy stuff on "Goin' Home." It is a slower number, with Chris Vitarello's guitar much more to the fore, and baum doubling up on piano. The bluesier influences shine through in other places too, on "JB Shuffle" (with Buddy Allen on sax), "Rock Me Baby" where Bill Perry plays lead and takes the vocals--Perry also appears to get a name check on "Bill Showed Up". The strongest blues content comes through on the closing version of "Amazing Grace," however. Like the other covers here, it is given the Baum treatment, and Vitarello gives a particularly good account of himself on this one to round things off. If you are not a fan of the Hammond Organ sound, then you should steer clear of "Lost River Jams." Those who love it (i.e. fans of the likes of Jimmies Smith and McGriff, Jack McDuff and so on) will find "lost River Jams" to their liking. The tightness of the trio, which allows them to just go into the studio and make music, gives the music a free-flowing feel. It all makes "Lost River Jams" a nice way to unwind at the end of the day.

This album shows why jb is the only organ player around who matters- he's got the feel, the groove and the right amount of dirt. there just isn't anyone out ther as smooth and he's done a great job capturing what he does best. buy this disc.