BARRY GOLDBERG,
IN THE GROOVE
(SUNSET BLVD. 7931; 36:43 4/5 STARS)
Goldberg might be known best for playing keyboards alongside Charlie Musslewhite, Paul Butterfield and fellow Electric Flag founder Mike Bloomfield during the 1960s. Now, he’s released his most impressive solo album since 1969’s Two Blues Jews. On enjoyable originals and old obscurities—11 of 12 the tracks instrumental—Goldberg’s B-3 sounds both rough and sleek, operating within a wide dynamic range from dark textured growls and bellows to sweet, lyric high notes. Backed by choice musicians like Texas guitarist Denny Freeman, he’s clearly having one hell of a fun time. “The Mighty Mezz,” or instance, swings as if ectoplasm were connecting him to the phantom of Jimmy Smith. Venerable Les McCann sings on “Had Enough Of You.”
DOWNBEAT BLUES / FRANK-JOHN HADLEY
OCTOBER 2018.
