Into Somethin?

Personnel: Larry Young (organ); Sam Rivers (tenor saxophone); Grant Green (guitar); Elvin Jones (drums). Producer: Alfred Lion. Reissue producer: Michael Cuscuna. Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey on November 12, 1964. Includes liner notes by Nat Hentoff. Digitally remastered by Ron McMaster. This is part of Blue Note's Limited Edition Connoisseur series. While most practitioners of the instrument have followed closely on the heels of Jimmy Smith, on INTO SOMETHIN', Larry Young demonstrates his unique horn-like approach to melody. With the help of Sam Rivers (saxophone), Grant Green (guitar), and Elvin Jones (drums), Young puts forth a swinging collection of tunes that isn't particularly drenched in the traditional gospel/soul sound usually produced by an organ ensemble. Instead, this is a crisp, exciting session that, along with UNITY, would eventually help make Young one of the legends of the B-3. The effortless waltzing bounce of "Tyrone" opens the set as Rivers and Young glide through the melody while Jones swings intensely in the background. The heavy Latin groove of "Plaza de Toros" sets up some stunning rhythmic interactions between Grant, Young, and Jones. The intricate "Paris Eyes" and the bluesy "Backup" are both excellent swinging numbers that further display Young's non-traditional approach to the instrument and his masterful soloing prowess. Finally, the classic "Ritha"--presented here in both trio and quartet versions--is an exhilarating composition that displays the full wealth of Young's legendary abilities.