Niacin - "Organik"

(Magna Carta PR-0515, 2005, CD)

Niacin has become the most important organ led trio in jazz fusion over the nine six years. Their combination of Jimmy Smith tinged grooves together with cleverly arranged covers of rock and jazz standards have resulted in a strong identity and a well placed Nearfest 2006 invite. Top notch musicianship is high profile road map for the band's third studio recording with a surprise reworking of Zappa's "King Kong". The new arrangement of piece has been stripped down to the mighty Hammond B3 organ shouldering spicy chord changes and nimble flights across the keyboard. Organist John Novello is the prime composer of the twelve remaining tracks that range from the assertive "Barbarian at the Gate" to the cool funky vibe of "Magnetic Mood". The rhythm section of drummer Dennis Chambers and bassist Billy Sheehan is tightly wound both anchoring and propelling the tempos of each song almost seamlessly. My picks for outstanding tracks include "4's 3" which is very proggy in execution with Novello sound much like vintage Keith Emerson. "No Shame" also features a strongly stated memorable riff which the trio takes to easily and mines it for all its worth. The bonus track "Footprints in the Sand" closes out the disc in a moody reflective mode. Overall the trio has all the ingredients of high musicianship and a rooted uniqueness that makes them a hot club ticket. -Jeff Melton

Jeff Melton is a staff writer for Expose for 10 years. Favorite Band = Yes, Favorite solo artist: Peter Hammill. Prog Ears and Gnosis member since 1999