Will Sellenraad & Root Down: Star Hustler

A heavy groove flavor here brings to mind past great trios, but it's updated with a modern approach. This music is not about the quick burn, but more so a tempered heat that cooks slow. Sellenraad's skillful fingers provide sizzling solos, but also a nice rhythm work on the groovacious cut "Leprechaun." His clean sound, with mature, and thoughtful chops enliven the great Lonnie Smith funk jam 'Play it Back.' Organist Charette does a fine job on the B3, dishing out the goods whether soloing or comping. His Hammond purrs, speaks, or screams, to fit the mood. Drummer Darren Beckett shows impressive cymbal work on the smooth number 'Major Mishap.' With a nice mix of originals as well as covers, the mix is not monotonous. The cr'me of the grits might just be the stellar Wayne Shorter composition 'Armageddon,' which offers solid evidence that the modern jazz organ trio still lies in capable hands.