Richard ‘Groove’ Holmes – After Hours

Richard ‘Groove’ Holmes – After Hours (Hallmark)

One of several jazz organists who emerged onto the jazz scene in the slipstream of Jimmy Smith’s success, Richard Groove Holmes wasted little time in making his own name and reputation, thanks to a succession of well received albums for Pacific Jazz, Prestige and Groove Merchant, among others. And whilst many of his contemporaries opted to copy Jimmy Smith’s style almost to the letter, Richard was talented enough to establish his own sound. On the up-tempo pieces, his is a much lighter tone. On the ballad material he gives full rein to his entire armoury, including his powerful basslines. The overall effect is to make After Hours an immediately accessible album, with the warmth in Richard’s playing well to the fore. He recorded several fine albums; this is undoubtedly one of the best.

1. Hallelujah, I Love Her So
2. After Hours
3. Groove’s Bag
4. Sweatin’
5. Groove Bird
6. Minor Surgery
8. Jenne
7. Do It My Way