SOULIVE
Doin’ Something
Blue Note
· Sophomore release from organ-driven jazz trio includes arrangements from James Brown’s trombonist and arranger, Fred Wesley.
Although no member of Soulive was born before 1975, the trio wears the influences of ’60s soul jazz proudly on their sleeves. With their second CD they search hard to find the groove – and stick with it. Organist Neal Evans, like Jimmy Smith, understands that sometimes it's just as important not to play, and to leave the listener wanting more.
What stops Doin’ Something from being a great album, however, is the band’s inability to let go. Most of the tracks here have the same emotional content, only occasionally letting loose and showing glimpses of their potential.
Doin’ Something is a solid recording from a band who worships the groove. They are undoubtedly crowd pleasers when they play live, and with a little experience under their belt they might even get the attention of Rudy Van Gelder (he's worked with a few other Blue Note acts).
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