Soul Message Band: Soulful Days

The core members of the Soul Message Band are Hammond organist Chris Foreman and drummer Greg Rockingham, both members of the Deep Blue Organ Trio that recorded three CDs for Origin and Delmark between 2005 and 2010. For their new venture, the pair have enlisted young guitarist Lee Rothenberg, making his recording debut, and saxophonists Greg Ward on alto and Geof Bradfield on tenor. It’s pretty easy to discuss the band’s Delmark debut, Soulful Days. The only real question for a group called the Soul Message Band is whether the message has been delivered, and the answer here is yes, most emphatically. This CD is a lengthy excursion into the world of funky organ-based jazz, with the special attraction of the progressive-leaning saxophonists. The effervescent alto of Ward has been heard on discs by leaders like Hamid Drake, Ernest Dawkins and Mike Reed since his first appearance on disc in 2004, so he brings a fresh voice to the organ-based style. It’s a real kick to hear him on tunes like Grant Green’s Matador and Jimmy Smith’s J.O.S., and he reaches heights of bluesy intensity on Easy Time, a easy-going groover by Louie Bellson and Tommy Newsom. Tenor saxophonist Geof Bradfield, who appears on three tracks, has a more varied recording history, including dates with drummer Ted Sirota and pianist Ryan Cohen. Both saxmen play on Wayne Shorter’s Hammer Head, and their friendly duel makes the track one of the disc’s many highlights. Guitarist Rothenberg’s smoking Sir Charles and Ward’s snappy and upbeat Uncertainty are the sole originals in an exemplary batch of tunes with a welcome focus on less-frequently revived tunes from the Sixties. We’re treated to lengthy excursions through pieces like the Shorter tune, premiered by the Jazz Messengers in 1964, Freddie Hubbard’s Thermo, first performed by the 1962 edition of the Messengers, and Cal Massey’s These Are Soulful Days, which was debuted by Lee Morgan on his 1960 Lee-Way album. Foreman, Rothenberg and Rockingham keep things cooking with impeccable taste and unfailing momentum. Soulful Days is an irresistible treat, and is happily recommended.
Delmark DE 5030; Greg Ward (as, exc on 2,9) Geof Bradfield (ts on 2,4,9) Chris Foreman (Hammond B3 org) Lee Rothenberg (g) Greg Rockingham (d); Chicago, IL, August 22-23, 2018; 1.Sir Charles/ 2.These are Soulful Days/ 3.Uncertainty/ 4.Hammer Head/ 5.Little Girl Blue/ 6.Matador/ 7.Easy Time/ 8.J.O.S./ 9.Thermo; 76:12. www.delmark.com