Fresh Grooves from Chicago: Righteous Rooster’s ‘Fowl Play’ Delivers Soulful Jazz
Vibes
Chicago’s vibrant jazz-groove organ trio, Righteous Rooster, will release their debut album,
‘Fowl Play,’ on Shifting Paradigm Records. The trio, featuring Henry Dickhoff on organ, Kenny
Reichert on guitar, and Luke Sagadin on drums and cymbals, brings a fresh, engaging sound
influenced by the Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio, Soulive, Medeski Martin & Wood, Goldings/
Bernstein/Stewart, and the Sam Yahel Trio. The album is out October 25, 2024 on LP/CD/
Download.
‘Fowl Play’ kicks off with “Groovin’ On Claremont,” an upbeat, groovy original by Dickhoff that
immediately sets a lively tone. The track showcases spirited organ and guitar solos, along with
engaging drum interplay that wraps up the piece with flair. “The End Of The World” offers a
flowing jazz waltz with a touch of nostalgia, reminiscent of the great Goldings/Bernstein/Stewart
trio. The creative arrangement features expressive organ and guitar solos, culminating in a
powerful drum solo that adds a dramatic finish.
Inspired by a night of over-indulgence, “James Beam” delivers a swanky groove, highlighted by
a distorted guitar solo and a fiery organ solo. The dynamic arrangement and funky drum groove
make this track a standout on the album. “The Fridge” slows things down with an infectiously
rich and dark swing sound. This track demonstrates the trio’s deep musical understanding,
flexibility, and cohesion, revealing layers of their artistic depth.
“Aravind” is a beautiful ballad that begins with a solo guitar intro before evolving into melodic
statements between the organ and guitar. This piece highlights the trio’s softer, more
introspective side, offering a serene listening experience. Closing the album, “Late Night
Reprise” is a swinging minor blues that evokes the spirit of Grant Green’s organ trios. It
features creative group interplay during the melody statement, swinging solos by organ and
guitar, and an impressive drum solo by Sagadin, bringing the album to a memorable close.
All three musicians are well-established members of the Chicago music scene, known for their
dynamic performances and innovative approaches. Righteous Rooster’s music effortlessly
combines jazz, groove, funk, and soul, creating a compelling and unique listening experience.
With Fowl Play, Righteous Rooster offers a refreshing take on the organ trio format. The album
is a must-listen for fans of groove-driven jazz with a modern twist.