Goodnight, It's Time To Go＜限定盤＞

This 1961 date was organist Jack McDuff's first with his regular working band. That group included two players who would become synonymous with the organ combo, soul-jazz sound: tenor saxophonist Harold Vick and the up-and-coming guitarist Grant Green. Vick's tough, versatile, if not particularly distinctive, sound is well-suited to McDuff's needs. Green, however, is by far the more interesting contributor. On this date, his gifts are already well developed, including his skillful use of space and a singular ability to find or create a tune's rhythmic core. Unlike his 1960 debut, McDuff does without a bass player here, using his organ pedals instead, as he would in live performance. When his feet do the walking, McDuff becomes a complete player, locking in on grooves that could never be matched by a hired gun brought in on bass. The highlights are the McDuff originals: "Sanctified Waltz," a gospel-influenced piece that avoids the holy roller excesses that often encumber such numbers, and "McDuff Speaking," a full-tilt, soul-jazz gem. ~ Jim Todd