Linda Dachtyl: For Hep Cats

Dachtyl's core trio includes guitarist Robert Kraut (also associated with Monaco) and husband/drummer Cary Dachtyl. When Cary is out, Jim Rupp takes care of the percussion chores. On board for this recording also is tenor saxophonist Gene Walker, who achieves an immediate slow simmer with Dachtyl on the opener, "Trouble. Walker introduces the familiar head and steps aside for Kraut and Dachtyl to solo, hitting a frantic double-time break before returning.

"One Mint Julep fondly recalls Ray Charles' performance, with Dachtyl spinning it funky and brisk, supported by Rupp's intense drumming. Still at a slow simmer, Dachtyl is, nevertheless, turning up the heat. Nina Simone's "Do I Move You offers slow burn vocals by Jazzmary and some inspired soloing from both Kraut (with suitably distorted guitar) and Dachtyl, who wails.

"Little Red Rooster is sung by Larry Smith and given a straight blues treatment, with Gene Walker providing some bar-walking tenor that spars with Kraut's smart blues licks. Jimmy McGriff's "Turn Blue gets to grindin', with Dachtyl modulating in a middle register, broadening her tonal front in preparation for the disc's critical mass, Monk's "Straight, No Chaser." Here, Dachtyl spins a swinging bit of hard-bop, propelled by Robert Kraut's svelt single-note runs.

This is quite an elegant jazz organ disc. There is not nearly the unnecessary grease one might expect. While Dachtyl isn't plowing any new fields here, she does maintain the center admirably.

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