Sam Yahel - In The Blink Of An Eye (1999)

Well known in New York circles, Sam Yahel is the all-too-rare organist concerned with matters of texture, touch, and taste rather than merely grease and grits. That's not to say he totally lacks Jimmy Smith-style blues-and-bop fire; he simply calls on it rather judiciously. Mostly, though, Yahel favors the more introspective and thoughtful sound usually associated with Larry Young, although by no means can he be pigeonholed as a Young disciple. This eight-song set, his second for Naxos and third overall, benefits from the discerning support of guitarist Peter Bernstein and drummer Brian Blade, not to mention a prudent song selection gathered from both the jazz lexicon (Freddie Hubbard's "Little Sunflower" and McCoy Tyner's "Inception") as well as the standard songbook. Yahel is compelling and lucid here without ever being overpowering or hyperactive. --Marc Greilsamer

Sam Yahel, Organ
Peter Bernstein, Guitar
Brian Blade, Drums
Kahlil Kwame Bell, Percussion