Brian Ho: Bridges

Bridges is a showcase of the Hammond B3 organ's soulful capabilities as performed by the San Francisco Bay area's stellar organist Brian Ho. Accompanied by the rhythm section of the deft guitarist Paul Bollenback and the dynamic drummer Byron Landham, both of whom were members of the late Joey DeFrancesco's trio for over twenty years, this album is a journey through a thoughtfully curated selection of songs blending Ho's original numbers with jazz standards and popular tunes.< br/>
The opener is a Ho original, "Essence," and it blasts to life blazing with Ho stretching out, pushed along by Landham's propulsive drumming. An excellent exchange among Ho, Bollenback and Landham adds rhythmic aggression to the track. The Hammond B3 and R&B had a precise and symbiotic relationship, so the tune "Yearnin' For Your Love," made popular by the Gap Band, fits perfectly here. Ho swings it with a laid-back groove, setting up Bollenback's solo and showing his impeccable touch. Both players gave a stellar performance supported by Landham's flawless timing and feel. The 1956 Broadway musical "Bells Are Ringing" introduces "Just in Time" with the melody by Jule Styne and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolf Green. Ho reworked this popular standard by picking up the pace with a 7/4 time signature, and the number came out as none the worse for wear.

"Alone in the Morning" is a beautiful bossa nova written by tenor saxophonist Joshua Redman for his 1994 album for Warner Bros. called MoodSwing. With Landham laying down a slinky bossa rhythm, Ho and Bollenback effortlessly navigate the number with lyricism and a luminous tone. The trio gives a couple of other jazz selections impressive readings starting with the Bud Powell composition "John's Abbey." Filled with boppish single-note runs, Ho swaggers over the keyboard, with Bollenback showing he is up to the task. Landham keeps the number percolating, along with trading 4's with Ho. The Horace Silver classic "Silver's Serenade" retains the original's unique spirit; all the while Ho gives it his singular voice. Bollenback and Landham maintain the number's energy with self-assurance and technique.

The closer is another well-known popular song "Saving All My Love." Initially recorded in 1978 by Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., it picked up iconic status when it was recorded in 1985 by Whitney Houston. Ho completely understands the B3'e expressive potential as he grooves out a swinging jazz-influenced version of this number. In his brief solo, Bollenback shows a guitar tone that is warm and inviting. Ho's playing is nuanced and passionate throughout the album, with every note contributing to the album's stylish fabric.