Downbeat - Dec. 2008 (three stars)
Hammond organ trios are prone to some unfortunate expectations about rhythmic grooves and anti-climactic jams, but organissimo is out to prove the detractors wrong. Drawing on blues, Latin jazz, and even the repertoire of the drummer's father, tenor saxophonist Arno Marsh ("My Sweet Potato Pie"), the group's [third] effort makes good on the titular promise of a groove. But that's only part of the equation.
Groovadelphia boasts a cerebral arc that moves away from the dance floor and into a series of gracefully phrased tunes, including the delicate, drumless ballad "Traces". With a strong emphasis on the different possibilities created by Latin rhythms and organist Jim Alfredson's innovative and bluesy approach to the '60s soul-jazz organ trio concept, the material is thoughtful without being too earnest; danceable, but never repetitive.
The Lansing, Michigan based group opens with the title track's playful jam, easing its way into a carefree series of vamps that showcase the big sound a small lineup can get with a Moog, Fender [Rhodes] and Hammond in its midst. Once the foundation's been set, "Senor Buffet" introduces the first of many Latin-based rhythmic structures, followed by a blues shuffle that extends on the relaxed groove idea. ~ Jennifer Odell