Search - Paul Bollenback :: Soul Grooves

Soul Jazz of the Twenty-first Century

D. Roemer | 10/10/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Do you enjoy the classic sounds of soul, R&B, and soul jazz? Do you listen to Zachary Breaux, George Benson, Kenny Burrell, Grant Green, or Wes Montgomery? Soul jazz was the crossover jazz of the 1960's. This enjoyable album is a post bop reversion to those times when those popular genres and legendary jazz guitarists were integral parts of the jazzscape. "Soul Grooves" has all the musical ingredients from those bygone days. Combine the soulful best of jazz guitar, organ, and tenor or alto saxophone. Both Paul Bollenback and his exceptionally fine rhythm section evoke the elements of soul and jazz. Although Bollenback is the conspicuous leader, Joey DeFrancesco (organist), Eric Alexander (tenor sax), and Jim Rotundi (trumpet) deliver significant contributions to the "grooves". As noted in the liner, "Paul Bollenback stands at the forefront of a jazz guitar renaissance". Perhaps this album will someday stand at the forefront of a soul jazz renaissance . . . Regardless, the music is an excellent representation of jazz at the beginning of the twenty-first century."