New York-based guitarist Greg Skaff s third ZOHO organ trio release, following the successful, equally Harlem-themed Ellington Boulevard (2004) and East Harlem Skyline (2009).
116th and Park has a fresh, tasty, funky, and boppish menu of five Skaff originals, one swinging tune by drummer Peterson, and four carefully chosen covers by, among others, Duke Ellington and Thelonious Monk. With his blues-drenched sensibility, rhythmic assuredness, and capability of blowing at breakneck tempos with ease, Skaff fits neatly into that great lineage of stellar organ trio/guitarists that includes Wes Montgomery, George Benson, Pat Martino, and Grant Green. Alongside his current trio featuring drummer Ralph Peterson Jr. and organist Pat Bianchi, Skaff sails through a collection of ballads, blues, burners, and boogaloos with warm tone, pristine articulation, and impressive chops.
Chock full of dexterous guitar and extra juicy B3 across ballads, jazz and straight up funk. Nothing lean here. This is big, fat and high in carbs! –All About Jazz
Get your copy of 116th & Park here.
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