The organ combo might not be the flashiest form of jazz, but it’s easily one of the most soulful, sneaky-versatile, and flat-out fun configurations you’ll find in modern music. Born out of smoky clubs and church basements somewhere in the 1950s, this setup leans heavily on the buttery, all-encompassing tone of the Hammond B-3 organ, creating a sound that pulls from jazz, blues, gospel, funk, Latin, and R&B.
Organ combos are a powerhouse of groove and connection, with the organist handling bass lines and harmonic support simultaneously, freeing up the rest of the band to lock in tight and go deep. And when a band’s been playing together long enough to build real chemistry, the effect is magic.
An excellent example of what I’m talking about is The Nightcrawlers, who have been doing this exact thing for nearly 20 years.
On their fifth release for Cellar Live, “The Nightcrawlers – Live at Frankie’s Jazz Club”, the Vancouver-based band is in its element. They’re loose, fired up, and feeding off the energy of a full house. Recorded live at the city’s beloved Frankie’s Jazz Club, the record showcases a band that’s clearly not interested in playing it safe. Yes, they bring the heat (you can smell the metaphorical bacon sizzle), but they’re also here to bring you complex rhythms, sharp arrangements, and unexpected turns.
The core crew is drummer Jesse Cahill, organist Chris Gestrin, guitarist Dave Sikula, and tenor saxophonist Cory Weeds. They have been together for years, and it shows. Their groove is effortless. Their timing is telepathic. With the addition of alto saxophonist Nick Hempton and percussionist Jack Duncan, things get even juicier. Their music is fresh, funky, and fully alive.
And while their past albums have always delivered the vibe, this one captures something extra. You can hear the sweat, the smiles, and the spark of musicians and audience lifting each other higher. It’s the kind of album that doesn’t sit politely in the background. Your head starts bobbing. Your hips start moving. Next thing you know, you’re in full body groove mode and wondering where this band has been all your life.
Drop the needle, turn it up, and let it move you.
https://nightcrawlersjazz.bandcamp.com/album/get-ready
Written by Alana Black | Evolution Media
Contact: ablack23@my.bcit.ca