Soul Jazz Grooves
is a 2012 compilation from
HighNote Records
. It features tunes from their catalog that evoke the classic soul-jazz era -- the last era when jazz crossed over to the pop charts with some regularity. Some of these performances are by first-generation soul-jazz artists. As a label,
HighNote
is known for its quality offerings, and this one is no exception. An example of what is to be found here is abundant in the opening cut: a burning version of "Honky Tonk," played by
Charles Earland
,
Pretty Purdie
Melvin Sparks
Carlos Garnett
, and bassist
Eric Sealls
. "Get 'n' It" features
Sparks
and
Reuben Wilson
, while the reading of "Please Give Me Someone to Love" here stars
Jimmy Ponder
Gene Ludwig
, and
Cecil Brooks III
. Other highlights include
Rodney Jones
Will Boulware
Lonnie Plaxico
Woody Denard
Teodross Avery
on "Let the Music Take Your Mind" and closer "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" by
Earland
Eric Alexander
Jim Rotondi
Bobby Durham
Gary Fritz
. ~ Thom Jurek