Charles Earland - Perceptions (2022)

Earland, one of the leading proponents of the Hammond B-3 organ, meets Randy Muller, the innovator of brassy riffs with Brass Construction, for a crossover attempt. Muller produced the set, and his brass arrangements are OK, but it's Earland's powerful organ that stays on point throughout. The first side is more jazz-disco fusion, while side two is more quiet storm-ish (except for the funky, relentless, nine-minute "Over and Over"). "Smile," a beautiful piece with a stunning sax solo, is the closet thing to jazz. "I Like It" and "Let the Music Play" are earnest but unexpected shots at the disco market. ~ Andrew Hamilton