Get Ready by Nightcrawlers

Since its inception and arrival somewhere in the 1950s, the organ combo format has been one of the more elusive concepts in modern music. It pulls influences from a multitude of sources: jazz, blues, gospel, R&B, funk, Latin, rock… and the list goes on. Often pigeonholed by critics as one-dimensionally “greasy”, organ combos are in fact one of the most versatile and relatable groups in mainstream jazz to this day. With the musicians centered around the Hammond B-3 console and its counterpart Leslie rotary speaker, the organist controls both bass line and accompaniment, making the dynamic and harmonic capabilities of the group nearly infinite. The rhythm section can then lock into one another’s groove in a way that is nearly unachievable in other configurations. In the event that you experience an organ group that has played together for years and has built a chemistry within itself, it can be a spiritual, soul-stirring experience.

On their fifth Cellar Live release, we find the Nightcrawlers in their natural habitat: live and in front of a revved-up crowd at Frankie’s Jazz Club in Vancouver, BC, Canada. This is an established group who can heat up the grease when needed, but also has a wealth of modern musical vocabulary and diverse rhythmic styles to keep more refined ears engaged. Together for nearly two decades, the core group consists of drummer Jesse Cahill, organist Chris Gestrin, guitarist Dave Sikula, and tenor saxophonist Cory Weeds. The additions of alto saxophonist Nick Hempton and percussionist Jack Duncan push the group to new levels of soulful. The material here is fresh, funky, and very much in the tradition without being too derivative.

Over their discography, the Nightcrawlers have never failed to capture a vibe on their records, and this latest entry is no exception. You can palpably feel the fun that both the musicians and the audience experienced coming through your speakers. All I can say is GET READY, because your hips are about to shake, and your head is about to bounce when you drop the needle!

Chris Hazelton
October 2022
Kansas City, MO