FREDDIE ROACH — Good Move! (1963-2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Laid-back and loosely swinging, Good Move captures organist Freddie Roach near the peak of his form. Roach never leans too heavily on his instrument, preferring a calmer, tasteful attack, yet he is never boring because he has a strong sense of groove. He keeps things moving on slower numbers like Erroll Garner's "Pastel" and Gershwin's "It Ain't Necessarily So," but the true highlights are on originals like "Wine, Wine, Wine" and "On Our Way Up," where the bluesy structures and fluid rhythms give Roach a chance to stretch out. Throughout the record, he is capably supported by guitarist Eddie Wright and drummer Clarence Johnston, as well as trumpeter Blue Mitchell and tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley, who both contribute fine solos. Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Tracklist :
1. It Ain't Necessarily So (5:02)
 George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
2. When Malindy Sings (5:21)
 Paul Lawrence Dunbar / Oscar Brown, Jr.
3. Pastel (4:31)
 Erroll Garner
4. Wine, Wine, Wine (6:32)
 Freddie Roach
5. On Our Way Up (6:20)
 Freddie Roach
6. 'Tain't What You Do (4:59)
 Sy Oliver / Trummy Young
7. Lots of Lovely Love (4:59)
 Richard Rodgers
8. I.Q. Blues (5:21)
 Freddie Roach
Credits :
Freddie Roach - Organ
Blue Mitchell - Trumpet
Hank Mobley - Tenor sax
Eddie Wright - Guitar
Clarence Johnston - Drums

IKE QUEBEC — It Might as Well Be Spring (1962-2010) RM | SACD, Hybrid | Serie The Blue Note Reissues | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Working with the same quartet that cut Heavy Soul -- organist Freddie Roach, bassist Milt Hinton and drummer Al Harewood -- Ike Quebec recorded another winning hard bop album with It Might As Well Be Spring. In many ways, the record is a companion piece to Heavy Soul. Since the two albums were recorded so close together, it's not surprising that there a number of stylistic similarities, but there are subtle differences to savor. The main distinction between the two dates is that It Might As Well Be Spring is a relaxed, romantic date comprised of standards. It provides Quebec with ample opportunity to showcase his rich, lyrical ballad style, and he shines throughout the album. Similarly, Roach has a tasteful, understated technique, whether he's soloing or providing support for Quebec. The pair have a terrific, sympathetic interplay that makes It Might As Well Be Spring a joyous listen. Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Tracklist :

1 It Might as Well Be Spring 6:22

Oscar Hammerstein II / Richard Rodgers
2 A Light Reprieve 5:25
Ike Quebec
3 Easy - Don't Hurt 6:08
Ike Quebec
4 Lover Man 5:57
Jimmy Davis / Roger "Ram" Ramirez / Jimmy Sherman
5 Ol' Man River 6:37
Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern
6 Willow Weep for Me 5:20
Ann Ronell
Credits :
Double Bass – Milt Hinton
Drums – Al Harewood
Organ – Freddie Roach
Tenor Saxophone – Ike Quebec