Greasy Street is a creative album. Richie Hart dares to go beyond restrictions and in the process has composed and arranged an interesting creation. Coltrane's "Naima" is interpreted in a very Brazilian way without ever losing it's masterpiece quality. Hart's guitar is warm and emotional while Petrone's bass changes are genial.
Hart is surrounded here by great musicians: Rick Petrone, Joe Corsello, Clifton Anderson, Pete Levin, Dr. Lonnie Smith and Jerry Weldon to deliver us an inimitable album of blues and groove.
Dr. Lonnie Smith, a legendary organist, plays criminally off the block. His dexterity in playing and prolific composing are well documented. This man is original, eccentric and charismatic, as well as having a dominant passion toward the Hammond organ. He passes through many emotions in this album with his instrument.
Joe Corsello is a top level drummer. He plays with Sam Rivers, Lew Soloff, Don Hahn, Mike Garson.... Joe has also recorded with Marian McPartland, Jack McDuff, Benny Goodman, Barry Miles and Mark Morganelli. Corsello and guitarist Richie Hart are always on the cutting edge of intellectual music.
Rick Petrone is an accomplished bass player. He is featured as a soloist with "Boss" Maynard Ferguson. Petrone has a pure talent that keeps him on the road, surrounded by projects and concerts.
"Greasy Street," composed by Petrone and Corsello, recalls the blues from the South with cool arrangements and improvisations. As the blues and groove dominate, their solos emerge, beautifully performed. Corsello is a maestro. Just listen, as he will catch each colleague's solo, bringing the music through to a climax.
Saxophonist Weldon is brilliant in his solo on "East Coast Blues." He touches fire without burning Dr. Smith's organ solo. Weldon’s contribution in this release is a melodic voice and an emotional interpretation of the blues.
"Frim Fram Sauce" and "I’ll See You In My Dreams" are the jazz pieces that no one will ever forget in this album. Greasy Street is more than the blues though... it is a part of the souvenir of New Orleans music. Chapeau Monsieurs....
