Soulive have dug back into the '60s hard-bop era to resurrect the Hammond B-3 organ-guitar-drum trio combo. Far from being retro, though, they refurbish this jazz staple into a gleaming, hot-burning sound. They can definitely be called a "jam band," with their CDs fitting as comfortably in record stores' rock sections as they do in the jazz bins.
On Soulive's debut CD, "Turn It Out," the trio drew equally from soul, hip-hop, funk and vintage jazz. Their self-penned tunes were obviously designed for both humming and dancing. If their followup CD, "Doin' Something," was less successful, it was at least more experimental, adding horns and more complex song structures. This year's "Next" finds the right dose of everything. This release has Soulive digging deeper for new ideas, but also kicking back into a more reflective, confident groove.
The CD was recorded on analog tape, perhaps more as a statement of aesthetic values than as a total refusal to use technology. There are plenty of filters, loops and synthesizers, but all in proportion. The addition of saxophonist Sam Kininger gives both keyboardist Neal Evans and guitarist Eric Krasno more chance to concentrate on harmonies and rhythms. Alan Evans on drums keeps everything at just the right tempo.
Soulive's sold-out shows at Blue Note last summer proved that they could fill larger halls in Tokyo. This time, they will play large rock-oriented halls, swapping intimacy for ample dancing space. Few bands are popular with critics and listeners alike, but Soulive's vitality breaks down both inhibitions and categories. They know what audiences like, even jazz audiences used to slower, more introspective music. If this is the future of jazz, we're all going to need new dancing shoes.
