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Keith Pray's Three Bass Hit: Down the Middle
ByAs one might expect given the B-3, the album is infused with soul and energy. And this trio certainly makes the most of it. The tunes are all Pray originals featuring riff-like heads with classic call-response melodies, boom box bass lines, and chords which provide a muscular platform for extended soloing.
Over the seven tracks, the trio covers all the bases that are in the funk-rock-jazz genre. "Mohawk Funk" launches the date with a four- note melodic riff over a hip James Brown-like rhythm bed. The slow rock groove of "Back Atcha" is quite infectious with Pray's comps, Michael Wooten's hot guitar solo, and Ploss' digging in deeply. "Down the Middle" offers an intensity that's reminiscent of a Jimi Hendrix vibe. "El Toro" is a head-bobbing boogaloo that has an ear-worm head melody and an ace guitar solo.
Pray, now six years into learning "the Beast," covers the instrument exceptionally well and gives out all the usual organ tricks tremolos, runs, punches, etc. And yes, he's all about that bass, too. While it is not yet his mortgage-paying instrument, Pray has spent time learning from B-3 jazz giants such as Dr. Lonnie Smith, Jimmy Smith, Charles Earland and other organ grinders more known in the rock arena such as Billy Preston. Those latter influences are noticeable on "Low Down Ditty" and "The Pace." Pray's fine soloing fits well with all of the grooves here.
Down the Middle is a most enjoyable ride that offers a party load of Hammond joy juice.
Track Listing
Mohawk Funk, Back Atcha, Come on Over, Down the Middle, El Toro, Low Down Ditty, The Pace.
Personnel
Additional Instrumentation
Keith Pray: Hammond B-3 (all tracks)
Album information
Title: Down the Middle | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Praynation Records
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Keith Pray's Three Bass Hit
Album Review
Nicholas F. Mondello
Down the Middle
Praynation Records
Keith Pray