15 West

Album Review

A very nice album of jazz organ, 15 West captures the essential Atlantic City sound, built around the lounges and clubs of the beach town. The sound is tight and jumpy, with a firm quartet blasting their way through a collection of jazz standards (and one original composition in the title track), putting a quick spin on it and allowing the players to pump out their respective solos. Fogel himself has a fine touch on the organ, rolling and bucking where the song takes him but never overpowering it, as is sometimes the wont for organists. While Fogel's solos are quite good, it's his comping that really makes the album. He can stay behind the rest of the band when needed, and jump out in front momentarily when needed. While the solos tend toward arpeggios, the comping just bounces quietly along. The other players can take the front perhaps more powerfully as well. Guitarist O'Donel Levy has a good speed to his solos, pulling out all of the stops in multiple tours de force in nylon. The sound lies somewhere between George Benson and Charlie Christian. Saxist Pete Chavez tends toward a more melodic sound and thoughtful solos, but can make his sax wail when the mood takes him as well. The title track in particular gives him a fine palette to showcase his wares. An excellent album for jazz organ . Despite being outside of the usual lineup of masters, Fogel has aspects of the masters, of the era, and plenty of his own style as both a player and a bandleader.