Search - Randy Johnston :: In a Chord

Randy hits his stride with jazz organ-combo in 1994

J. Levinson | Media, PA USA | 10/04/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Randy Johnston started his solo recording career in 1991 with piano backing, and this 1994 release, his third, features a Hammond B-3 replacing the piano and bass. The format seems to stimulate some of his best playing. Of course, Joey DeFrancesco is always a strong asset on any recording, as he takes several smoking solos of his own, in addition to providing a lush bed of harmony and groove for Randy to work over. Eric Alexander on tenor sax also contributes his harmonic breadth to the groove and is a strong soloist when called upon. With solidly swinging veteran Mickey Roker on the drums, this is a jazz-combo to be reckoned with.
Randy plays an Epiphone semi-hollowbody electric with a fairly clean tone, though there is a bluesy element to his playing, revealing a bit of his early Hendrix influence. However, he is closer to channeling Wes Montgomery as his tonal role model. Produced by Houston Person and engineered by Rudy Van Gelder at his studio, the sound quality of the CD is superb. This is one of Johnston's best sessions available."