Patrick Naylor: Organza

Organza from Patrick Naylor, David Beebee and Eric Ford reimagines the classic guitar-organ trio. With Beebee on Hammond organ, Ford on drums and Naylor on guitar, the album includes six original compositions by Naylor and two by Beebee. These tracks showcase the strong musical chemistry between the two, who have been creating music together since their school days.

Over the course of eight tracks, Naylor's guitar weaves a silky, melodic presence that carries the listener on an atmospheric journey, enveloping them in the smooth, light textures of Organza.

Guitar aficionados will recognize traces of legendary players like Wes Montgomery, Larry Carlton, Joe Pass, Pat Metheny, Jim Hall and John Scofield, but Naylor does not simply mimic their styles. Instead, he brings his own voice to the guitar, fusing these influences with his distinct expression.

Eric Ford's drumming is far more than just a rhythmic foundation; he creates melodic lines of his own, rich with dynamic shifts. His playing offers a modern jazz-fusion approach while also nodding to classic swing and rock. Ford's style is tight, ensuring that every hit accentuates the mood of the song, and his synergy with Naylor's guitar gives the album its deep, full-bodied sound.

David Beebee's Hammond organ playing is both subtle and dynamic, enhancing the fusion of folk, jazz and, at times, rock influences with atmospheric textures. His ability to shift between delicate harmonic support and intricate solo sections adds sophistication and variety to the overall sound.

Naylor describes "Big J" as being inspired by the harmonic ideas of John Coltrane, with a rhythmic conception influenced by Jimi Hendrix—hence the "J" in the title.

"The Lost Chord" does not seem to have lost any chord at all. Every musical element is perfectly placed to create an ethereal atmosphere.

"Uncle John" pays tribute to John Scofield. Ford's drumming and Beebee's organ solo infuse the track with a lively, funk-driven energy.

"Scrumptious" lightly grooves in a 7/4 main section before taking the listener on a dynamic journey through ambient guitar solos.

"Dappled Light" sets a dreamy, meditative and slightly mysterious mood in the first part before shifting into a more rock-influenced second section, featuring an extended guitar solo from Naylor.

"Moty" starts with the roar of a motor paired with an excited guitar intro, subtly supported by organ harmony, hinting that "Moty" refers to a "motorbike." This track is a reworked composition from Naylor's first album and, according to him, was written as a tribute to his Enfield motorbike, which he spent a few months traveling on in India back in the 1990s.

"Beard Stroker" sounds like a modern-day scherzo—a playful, lighthearted tune with a story behind the title. Naylor shared that he "occasionally experiences problems identifying men with beards."

Much like the traditional Middle Eastern spice blend it is named after, "Za'atar" blends jazzy and rock vibes with a Moroccan chaabi groove. With its title beginning with the letter "Z," it also completes Beebee's alphabetic cycle of compositions, which was written over several years.

Whether you are a fan of classic guitar, contemporary jazz or fusion, Organza offers a fresh, intricate and thoroughly enjoyable listening experience that will appeal to both seasoned listeners and newcomers alike.

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