Tony Thomas has been playing since forever. He's been the piano or organ in the background of a number of pop hits, and he's played in many jazz combos over the years. But the organ (specifically, the Hammond B-3) is his great love. And at the urging of producer Matt Ross-Spang, he put together a new trio to finally record an album of organ jazz.

Tony Thomas Three Get With This! (Southern Grooves)

Thomas is from Memphis, where the B-3 graced many a Stax album (not to mention Booker T. & the MGs). And he does have a soulful organ. His extended takes on well-worn songs are both faithful and revealing. He gives Charlton Johnson's guitar plenty of room to explore, and Ken Coomer's drums keep everything in line. In case Coomer's name sounds familiar, he's the current Wilco drummer and his skins first graced a review in A&A more than 30 years ago with his band Clockhammer.

Sorry for the bit of history, but it tickles me. And this album has that classic soul feel. While organ isn't necessarily thought of as a jazz instrument, there are plenty (perhaps the most obvious being Herbie Hancock) who have made classic records on the organ. Thomas and company don't have Hancock's funky vibes, but their easy soul is a classic sound.

A sound that never gets old, and one that this trio handles with flair. It's a crowd-pleaser for sure, but that's no slag. Some albums are there to make people feel good. That the music is also inventive and finds new notes in some chestnuts make it all the better. This one can go all night.

Jon Worley