Brian Ho Trio - Bridges

2024

It’s no secret that jazz organists are a special breed. No, I am not talking about those who occasionally step away from the piano to sit down at the Hammond B3 (or modern digital equivalent) for a couple of songs or an occasional gig. Instead I am speaking of those who have really checked out the history, put in countless hours on the instrument to learn how to truly play the organ like an organ. In the process they learn to simultaneously play bass lines with their left hand and foot, solo, work the drawbars and Leslie speaker all while listening and reacting the musicians around them at a high musical level. To play organ you have to be truly dedicated and on his newest release Bridges, top call Bay Area organist Brian Ho leaves no room for doubt that he is, in spades, a tried and true Jazz Organist. Brian has a strong sense of the lineage and has his own voice on the Hammond B3 that will attract the ears of all who are fans of the instrument.

Joining him on this session are two well known musicians who are no strangers to the world of jazz organ. Speaking from experience, there is no better rhythm section to accompany Brian on this date than guitarist Paul Bollenback and drummer Byron “Wookie” Landham. Both were members of the late organ virtuoso Joey DeFrancesco’s trio for over twenty years. This particular trio not only raised the musical bar but in my opinion expanded the genre itself, which has influenced all organists since that time. Beyond that, Paul and Byron have worked with most every legendary organist including Jack McDuff, Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff, Shirley Scott and Trudy Pitts. So it is easy to understand why they are considered the A-Team rhythm section for most who play the Hammond B3.

Brian’s selection of songs for this outing covers a wide range of music seamlessly sewed together in this nearly 60 minute long recording. His original compositions all display a lyrical quality which makes each one memorable. But, the listener should take notice of the harmony and other little twists and turns in each composition. There is a great deal of subtle complexity in each song as well. That is the mark of a great composer! Essence which was inspired by Michael Brecker’s “Time is of the Essence” and McCoy Tyner’s “The Real McCoy” allows both Brian and Paul to really stretch out. A beautiful ballad written by Brian for his wife Bonnie, demonstrates the more gentle side of the Hammond B3 while both Ellisin’ and Into Somethin’ showcase other sides of Brian’s musical personality, getting a little more funky like Dr. Lonnie Smith would often do and of course stepping into more of a modal vibe reminiscent of organist Larry Young.

Along with his own compositions, Brian balances out this recording with standards including an arrangement in 7/4 of the classic Jules Styne song Just In Time which the trio navigates effortlessly. Brian lays it down on the very slick arrangement on the Horace Silver composition Silver’s Serenade. It’s relaxed and groovin’ and of course Paul and Byron keep the fire goin underneath him throughout. Alone in the Morning is a beautiful bossa originally from Joshua Redman’s album Moodswing. Both Paul and Brian weave their way through this song with ease, building the energy until the final melody is stated and the trio brings it home. Everyone stretches out on Bud Powell’s John’s Abbey then trading 4’s with drummer Byron Landham, who keeps everyone on their toes!

Of course when making a straight ahead jazz record, it’s always a good idea to “bridge the gap” and include more recent songs that are familiar to everyone. Yearning For Your Love by the Gap Band it a perfect fit for this! Brian states, “I used to listen to R&B in middle school and high school and the band “Guy” remade this song in 1990. I couldn't get enough of this song as a kid.” Brian’s love for this song is apparent and the trio once again delivers a stellar performance. Closing out the disc is a swingin’ version of another famous pop song. First recorded in 1978 by Marylin McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. then recorded again by Whitney Houston’s in 1985, Saving All My Love is the perfect way for Brian to tie the project together and close out the recording on a strong note!

Fans of the Hammond B3 will surely love every moment of Bridges!

Pat Bianci

Brian Ho, Hammond B3 Organ;
Paul Bollenback, Guitar;
Byron Wookie Landham, Drums