Rokukai
Freddie Roach plays subdued, loose-limbed swinging soul-jazz Hammond b-3 organ on this 1963 Blue Note release. Strong personnel highlighted by Blue Mitchell on trumpet and Hank Mobley on tenor lend a restrained grace that runs through the music. Roach never intended to catch fire--smoldering embers were his forte throughout his career (probably why he never rose above the third or fourth tier in his profession). At any rate, there's some uptempo pieces, some mid tempo, some lovely pastoral slow numbers, some covers, some originals, and lots of groove. Something for every palette on this tasteful, organic sound. Bop fans and Jimmy Smith listeners will like this as well.
Fabulous cover art accents a lovely package.
