Matthias Bublath: Second Angle

Since moving to New York City from Germany, pianist/organist Matthias Bublath has been making a name for himself as an in-demand sideman for the likes of Lenny Picket, Mike Clark and Lionel Loueke. For Second Angle, his third release as a leader, Bublath stirs up a greasy set of organ-driven funk with the help of vibraphonist Tim Collins, saxophonist Scott Bourgeois and drummer Obed Calvaire.

With the exception of Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Luiza" the disc is comprised of Bublath's groovy original compositions, ranging from riff-based funkers like "Dump the Goose," "Pocket" and "Humidifier," to Afro- Cuban-influenced pieces like "B3 Choro" and "Africa." Bublath and company display impressive straight-ahead jazz chops on the hard swinging "On the Road Again" and the Horace Silver-sounding blues "Silver Shining."

Bublath is a forceful presence behind the organ, kicking strong bass lines, comping with a strong rhythmic drive and soloing with a feel-good fire. Organists will appreciate the stamina and originality displayed on the aforementioned "On the Road Again" and the title track, a simmering samba that brings an intense toe-tapping close to the session.

Collins and Bourgeois contribute edgy solos with just the right amount of lyricism to match Bublath's listener-friendly hooks. Calvaire proves a versatile drummer, shifting from one style to the next without missing a beat.

Second Angle is a wonderful showcase for this up-and-coming practitioner of the almighty Hammond. The disc begs for repeated listening.

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