Ondrej Pivec / Organic Quartet: Don't Get Ideas

Ondrej Pivec and his Organic Quartet burn white hot on Don't Get Ideas, from the very first notes of the opening "Mr. Littleroot's Green Room," by Jakob Dolezal, the group's tenorist. Living deeply within the R&B organ trio vibe, yet updating it with their personalities, these youngsters clearly live to play.

The question of originality and derivativeness does not really apply here. Much like Scott Hamilton, who plays inside his chosen style with total honesty, these musicians—organist Pivec, guitarist Libor Smoldas, tenor player Dolezal and drummer Tomas Hobzek—give it away by letting it all hang out, and they are completely believable.

Each player knows exactly what he is about and is in total control. While the timbres of Smoldas' guitar or Dolezal's saxophone are well within expectations, and almost required for this genre to be convincing, their compositions, improvisational ideas and phrasing have a knack for satisfaction. How else can you describe the original compositions that successfully and simultaneously live in the past and the present?

The most important thing about this music is that its energy and assurance communicate directly to the soul. Based on the fact that the Organic Quartet has a regular gig that packs the house, and that Don't Get Ideas is a top-selling record in Czechoslovakia, this music is really touching people. So tap your feet, clap your hands and get up and dance—Ondrej Pivec and the Organic Quartet are here to move you.

Dr. Lonnie Smith would be proud.

Comments