Jared Gold Reemergence

Jared Gold
Reemergence
Strikezone

Organist Gold has been a significant part of guitarist Dave Stryker's organ trio along with drummer McClenty Hunter. Among the more recent group of jazz organists, Gold has become a significant part of the NY jazz scene playing with such heavyweights as Oliver Lake and the late John Abercrombie along with Stryker. he has recorded 8 albums although it has been three years since his last as a leader. On this recording, produced by Stryker, legendary drummer Billy Hart joins the pair (and it is a working trio), with trumpeter Jeremy Pelt adding his brass to three of the nine selections. Gold contributed two originals to this recording with others coming from Gershwin, Stevie Wonder, Ornette Coleman, Doris Akers and Lennon and McCartney.

From Jared's opening title track to the closing "Nomad" by Stryker, Gold and his organ trio certainly delight organ jazz fans starting with an unusual blues that Pelt's vibrant trumpet adds fire to the unusual burning blues line. Gershwin's "It Ain't Necessarily So" displays his melodic touch as well as orchestral sound while providing a strong setting for Stryker's dazzling playing. There is a wistful reading of The Beatles' "She's Leaving Home." Pelt is present on "Looking For Another Pure Love," which contrasts with the solid funk of "One For John A," where Pelt adds his trumpet to Gold's chicken shack grease. Hart provides a light Brazilian groove to "How Long Has This Been Getting On," which is followed by a slowed down rendition of Ornette Coleman's "Blues Connotation," where Gold's use of dynamics adds to the impressiveness of the trio's performance.

While organ jazz might be viewed by some as jazz comfort food, one cannot deny how outstanding Jared Gold and trio are on this superb recording.

I received my review copy from a publicist. This review originally appeared in the May-June 2018 Jazz & Blues Report (Issue 378). Here is a short live clip of this trio.