The three members in
Bob DeVos' regular trio, guitarist
DeVos, organist
Dan Kostelnik, and drummer
Steve Johns, all deserve to be much better known. They cook as well as any organ trio around in the early 21st century, stretching from hard bop to soul-jazz and freer explorations. Each of the musicians has his own sound within the tradition. On
Playing for Keeps, they are joined by the great tenor saxophonist
Eric Alexander on four numbers. It is particularly intriguing hearing
Alexander improvising on a fairly free version of "Freedom Jazz Dance."
DeVos contributed four originals to the set, including "Wes Is More," and the group is particularly effective on the blues (particularly
McCoy Tyner's "Blues on the Corner") and plenty of sparks fly. Fun music. ~ Scott Yanow