So Blue, So Funky (Heroes Of The Hammond)

So Blue, So Funky (Heroes Of The Hammond)

A celebration of the Hammond organ’s golden age in jazz, So Blue, So Funky (Heroes Of The Hammond) dives deep into the soulful, groove-heavy sound that defined much of Blue Note Records during the 1960s and early 1970s. Rich with greasy rhythms, blues-infused improvisation, and infectious funk grooves, the compilation showcases the unmistakable power and warmth of the Hammond organ at the centre of classic soul jazz.

Featuring legendary players including Jimmy Smith, Big John Patton, Larry Young, Brother Jack McDuff, and Baby Face Willette, the collection traces the evolution of organ-led jazz from bluesy hard bop roots to heavier funk-driven explorations.

Many tracks feature the unmistakable guitar work of Grant Green, whose fluid playing became a defining part of the Blue Note soul-jazz sound. Together with tight rhythm sections, punchy horn arrangements, and deeply danceable grooves, the performances capture the raw energy of small-club jazz at its most vibrant and accessible.

From the church-inflected swing of Jimmy Smith to the more adventurous modal textures of Larry Young and the streetwise funk of Lou Donaldson and Grant Green, So Blue, So Funky offers an outstanding overview of Hammond-driven jazz at its absolute peak.

Tracklist:

1. Jimmy McGriff – All About My Girl – 3:57
2. Big John Patton – The Silver Metre – 5:39
3. Jimmy Smith – I’m Movin’ On – 5:15
4. Freddie Roach – Brown Sugar – 4:20
5. Fred Jackson – Hootin’ ’N Tootin’ – 4:32
6. Baby Face Willette – Face To Face – 6:15
7. Larry Young – Plaza De Toros – 9:37
8. George Braith – Boop Bop Bing Bash – 6:24
9. Big John Patton – Fat Judy – 7:39
10. Lou Donaldson – Everything I Do Gonh Be Funky (From Now On) – 5:29
11. Brother Jack McDuff – Butter (For Yo’ Popcorn) – 4:07
12. Grant Green – Ain’t It Funky Now – 9:52