Year: 2008
Record Label: Prince V Records
Style: Straight-Ahead / Classic
Musicians: Vince Seneri (Hammond B-3 organ), Dave Valentin (flute), Randy Brecker (trumpet), Houston Person (tenor saxophone), Paul Bollenback (guitar), Gary Fritz (percussion), Riche Flores (percussion), Buddy Williams (drums)
Review: Hammond B-3 organist and composer Vince Seneri leads an all-star ensemble of some of the best musicians working today on his newest release, The Prince’s Groove. The group romps from the first notes of “Renegade Man” to the closing of “Walkin.’” The solos are all so hot it’s impossible to believe the next one could be any better than the current one, but eclipse each other they do.
“Dearly Beloved” is a crazy up-tempo affair where the show is almost stolen by guitarist extraordinaire Paul Bollenback. His solo literally jumps out following the melody. His fingers effortlessly fly through the changes in thrilling chorus after chorus, and just when you think nothing could be hotter, Seneri’s solo follows with dynamic leaps and bounds of his own. The great Buddy Williams on drums pushes each forward with a dynamic verve that shreds his skins. This is one smoking track.
The same can be said for the exciting Latin twinged “Sway (Quien Sera).” Flutist Dave Valentin leaves nothing to the imagination as he flies his fingers through extended scalular runs. Here again, Seneri follows up with some hot B-3 work before giving way to Riche Flores’ tight and controlled, yet propulsive percussion work.
Other greats getting disc time include trumpeter Randy Brecker and saxophonist Houston Person. Brecker’s work on “The Stinger” is typical Brecker; an individual take on altered diminished scales colored by quick insertions of other modal material all handled in a unique manner. When the jazz history books are written they will have to note his always incredible attention to not only high intellect but also his ability to always present his ideas within a beautiful melodic framework.
Person’s work on “The Nearness Of You” borrows from his extensive blues vernacular. Few tenor saxophonists get to the heart of the matter as quickly and as clearly as Person, and why he doesn’t get more recognition has always been a mystery to this reviewer.
Throughout Seneri is the consummate accompanist, providing just enough harmony to guide the soloists yet also allow them enough room so they have the freedom to move in their own directions. As a soloist he is beyond dispute a master of the B-3. He has not just technique to burn but also sensibilities that make you want to listen to him more and more and more. This disc is highly recommended if you like burning and soulful jazz.
Tracks: Renegade Man, Dearly Beloved, Sway Quien Sera, The Stinger, The Nearness Of You, Overdrive, Prince's Groove, Passion Dance, and Walkin'
Record Label Website: http://www.princevrecords.com/index.cfm?siteid=258&itemcategory=31813&priorId=0&ProductId=21937
Artist's Website: http://www.vinceseneri.com/
Reviewed by:
Thomas R. Erdmann
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