Gary Smulyan’s 'Smul’s Paradise'

Baritone saxophonist Gary Smulyan’s debut recording, entitled Smul’s Paradise, which will be released by Capri Records on Jan. 17, is a tribute to the classic jazz organ trio format. The album has Smulyan on baritone sax, Kenny Washington on drums, Mike LeDonna on the organ and Peter Bernstein on guitar. Three of the eight tracks on the album are an homage to organ great Don Patterson while two of the tracks were originally penned by Smulyan. In addition, Smulyan is among the first baritone players to front such a group.

The opening track is the trio’s version of the quick-tempo pop hit, “Sunny.” Throughout the track, all four instruments blend together beautifully. It’s incredibly danceable and LeDonna makes his organ’s presence known with bubbly notes while Washington beats the drums boldly in the background.

“Up in Betty’s Room” is the second track on the album and it honor’s Patterson’s legacy as a genius on the organ. Smulyan’s baritone sax work is playful as Washington’s drums and LeDonna’s organ follow the same melody with Bernstein’s guitar playing faintly in the background.

Gospel-themed organist Rhonda Scott’s “Pistaccio” is the album’s third track. LeDonna’s organ play mimics Scott’s holy organ groove as Smulyan brings his baritone sax into the melody very coolly with a smooth and silky tone.

"Aries” is the sixth track on the album and is another tribute song to Patterson. LeDonna again gives his organ play a gospel/holy rhythm as Smulyan’s baritone sax then enters the melody slowly and methodically, which could hypnotize listeners. In addition, Bernstein strums his guitar low in the background, which adds to the soulful vibe of the track.

The eighth and final track on Smul’s Paradise is entitled “Heavenly Hours.” It’s the second track on the album that was originally written by Smulyan. It’s got a peppy flow as Smulyan’s baritone sax notes are swift as Washington’s drum play keeps up seamlessly. Meanwhile, Bernstein’s expert guitar work can be heard lightly in the background, giving the track a slow jazz rhythm.

In the end, Smul’s Paradise from Gary Smulyan is a true testament to the classic musical genre of organ jazz. Each member of the trio portrays their instrument in its purest form, giving every track its own flavor and unique style.