Urban Paradise Personnel: Vince Seneri, B-3 Organ, Bob Devos, Guitar and arranger; Buddy Williams, Drums; Dave Valentin, Flute;  Emedin Rivera, Percussion; Houston Pearson, Tenor. Tracks: 1 - Eleanor Rigby 2 - T-Bone Steak 3 - Angel Eyes 4 - Where or When 5 - Comin' Home Baby 6 - That's All 7 – Charade 8 – Tenderly 9 - Kansas City 10 - Watermelon Man

Vince Seneri
Urban Paradise

    The liner notes inside this jacket written by Pete Fallico, hits it right on the head. Seneri is a B-3 Hammond artist who understands his history and embraces it wholeheartedly. This disc is a brief summation of B-3 music from previous decades that captures nice groove and energy! With the additions of veterans Dave Valentin and Houston Pearson, they join an already groovin’ group for a special presentation of Jazz which is all soul.

    The strength of this disc lies in these two things. Number one, Vince picks a list of tunes that many Jazz fans will like to listen to. Secondly, they’re played with enormous energy and enthusiasm. Seneri is one who embraces the greats before him. He swings passionately and understands the sound he needs to get. He’s surrounded with the right combination of musicians who fit his musical style.

    One of those is arranger Bobby Devos. Devos is in tune with guitar-organ trios. He plays a perfect compliment to Seneri. He also arranged a ‘perfect’ session for Vince. His solo’s are well crafted and are nice fits on this collection of tunes.

    I also like the additions of Pearson and Valentin. Both of these guys are players who deliver their soul in a performance. Pearson will remind some of those who listened to those Stanley Turrentine groups from previous years. “Where or When”, “That’s All”  and “Kansas City” specifically deliver a ‘classic’ sound that snaps out at you. I wanted to grab my partner and dance to swinging and soulful-groovin’ musicians.

    Valentin also delivers soulful renditions on Eleanor Rigby and Watermelon Man. Not overstated, just energetic, groovin’ statements that capture the music.

    I do not want to forget the percussionists on this disc. Buddy Williams delivers strong groove and Rivera is a perfect compliment throughout. Willams adds to tight ensemble and swingin’ arrangements.

    If you like organ trios in the style of McDuff, Jimmy Smith and the like, I really believe you’ll like this presentation of music. It swings, and it is fun music to listen to. The musicians on this recording do not overstate the genre, they understand it and embrace the music.

    I believe there’s still a huge audience for this music. If Seneri and friends drop by your neck of the woods, run and grab some tickets and enjoy the show!!

For more information about the music of Vince Seneri, please visit,VinceSeneri.com/