Soul Jazz Grooves

Soul Jazz Grooves is a 2012 compilation from HighNote Records. It features tunes from their catalog that evoke the classic soul-jazz era -- the last era when jazz crossed over to the pop charts with some regularity. Some of these performances are by first-generation soul-jazz artists. As a label, HighNote is known for its quality offerings, and this one is no exception. An example of what is to be found here is abundant in the opening cut: a burning version of "Honky Tonk," played by Charles Earland, Pretty Purdie, Melvin Sparks, Carlos Garnett, and bassist Eric Sealls. "Get 'n' It" features Sparks and Reuben Wilson, while the reading of "Please Give Me Someone to Love" here stars Jimmy Ponder, Gene Ludwig, and Cecil Brooks III. Other highlights include Rodney Jones, Will Boulware, Lonnie Plaxico, Woody Denard, and Teodross Avery on "Let the Music Take Your Mind" and closer "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" by Earland, Sparks, Eric Alexander, Jim Rotondi, Bobby Durham, and Gary Fritz. ~ Thom Jurek