McGriff's House Party

by Al CampbellThis Milestone release continues in the soul groove that Jimmy McGriff helped create in the early '60s. McGriff's House Party took two days to complete and found the participants in a hard funk mood. The fine groove ensemble on this disc features Kenny Rampton's trumpet on four cuts, tenor saxophonists Eric Alexander or Bill Easley, Rodney Jones on guitar, and Bernard Purdie on drums. It's to McGriff's credit that he invited another organ legend, Dr. Lonnie Smith, along on four especially greasy cuts that will have fans of the genre in Hammond hysteria. Highlights include "Neckbones à la Carte," an up-tempo James Brown-style funk written by guitarist Rodney Jones. "Blues for Stitt" is Easley's tribute to the legendary tenor saxophonist. "Red Roses for a Blue Lady" trots along with an extra bite given to this standard from Alexander. Special guest guitarist George Benson doesn't actually play on this date but he does make his presence felt by contributing "Red Cadillac Boogaloo," which he composed while enjoying the session from the control booth. The slow closing blues "Dishin the Dirt" signals last call and winds up another enjoyable and recommended soul groove session from Jimmy McGriff.