Organ trios have been a mainstay of the jazz-funk-fusion stable since the 60s. In recent years, there’s been a surge in popularity of the format, as the B3 can emulate a broad range of sounds and the small format enables each of the musicians to stretch out in a big way.
Deitch, Teitel Fribush (DTF) is a powerhouse within that realm, and the newly released “Another Side of the Sound” brings fresh ideas while maintaining ligature to tradition. As described in the liner notes, the album was recorded directly to a Tascam 388 tape machine to give it that old-school feel.
The musicians on this album are well versed in the organ trio tradition. Sam Fribush is a notable lead player on the B3 and spent considerable time in New Orleans. You can hear that influence on tunes like “À La Gator.” Ari Teitel is a regular member of the NOLA OGs, Dumpstaphunk, and really shows his jazz chops on this album. Holding down he groove is Adam Deitch of the great funk band, Lettuce. Deitch, has a great heritage in the jazz-funk scene and has been growing his resume in the small group format for the last several years with his own quartet (see Adam Deitch Quartet, “Roll The Tape,” 2023 review) and other organ trios (see WRD, “The Hit,” 2021 review) as well.
DTF runs the gamut across twelve grooves, from funky, adrenaline pumpers to soul-stirring ballads. It’s obvious that each of the players has an affinity for the category, and the collective juju is palpable. Have a read and a listen to the track-by-track coverage below.
DTF is the brand new organ trio from GRAMMY-nominated drummer Adam Deitch of Lettuce, GRAMMY-nominated guitarist Ari Teitel of Dumpstaphunk and rising star organist Sam Fribush of Hiss Golden Messenger.
Recorded straight to a vintage Tascam 388 tape machine over two days at the legendary Colorado Sound Studio in Denver, the 12-track LP captures an aesthetic and taste level not often found in modern-day music releases. ‘Another Side of the Sound’ has the “Funk” – that indescribable space, groove or swag that morphs modern jazz into a feel-good soundtrack of instrumental mastery. Its lead single “Chester” drips with funky organ swells, deep pockets and buttery guitar licks, earning top placement (No. 3) on Spotify’s Jazz-Funk playlist.
“We’re all playing in a quiet, kind of chill manner – letting everything breathe and not trying to fill up the space. It’s just feel-good music,” says Deitch. Teitel adds, “Being a small instrumental group, we have complete freedom to play how we want, and pull from all our influences and experience. At the flip of a switch we can move from greasy New Orleans funk to modern jazz and hip hop. Everything is on the table at all times.”
Fribush, known for his recent jazz collaborations with Charlie Hunter and Butcher Brown, says ‘Another Side of the Sound’ stands out among jazz organ trio projects. “We made this record with a real love of that nostalgic sound, but a desire to push the limits. It’s undeniably nasty and puts our stamp on what an organ trio can be.”
Track-By-Track
Rolex has an easy-flowing feel with Teitel taking the lead voice at the start. Fribush glides through with sustained organ grooves and ultimately takes the second half on a joyride. When Teitel takes the return handoff, it’s silky smooth. Naturally, fans of Lettuce will dig Deitch’s top-notch pocket play, especially at the back end of the tune.
“Rolex” is a laid-back, almost boujee groove written by Teitel and riddled with classy flourishes and synth textures.
Good Morning has a dreamy feel from the organ’s wah-wah pedal, as noted. Teitel navigates through the haze with the main theme, with Deitch playing a stripped-down jazz mode. As the tune progresses, Teitel’s guitar also seeps into the ether with the organ and drums.
“Good Morning” carries the DTF groove into a new plane as it innovatively showcases the Hammond B3 organ through a wah-wah pedal, creating a cinematic attitude reminiscent of Khruangbin.
Uncle T has an old-school acid jazz feel with Deitch rocking the kick drum had at the onset. There’s great interplay between Teitel and Fribush, great for cruising down the highway. It’s definitely a head-boppin’ groove.
The trio leans into disco-funk boogaloo on “Uncle T”, a dancefloor magnet with infectious interplay between drums, guitar and organ. The mid-song drop may well be the funkiest moment of the entire record.
Watch This feels like a track from a bygone era of the late 60s or early 70s, a bluesy slow roller a la Grant Green. While Teitel leads, the organ and drums are strong companions.
“Watch This” showcases Teitel’s crisp guitar and expert songwriting.
Midnight Rider is immediately recognizable, even without lyrics. Fribush has the lead voice and has the organ gliding through the main theme. Teitel has a sweet solo spot early on, likely on a hollow-body guitar. There’s some excellent switchbacks between Teitel and Fribush as they weave the tune back and forth right up to the end.
DTF also weaves a handful of unique covers of classic songs among their standout originals – reimagining the Allman Brothers classic “Midnight Rider” through a funky, improvisational lens.
Compassion is a relaxed jaunt with all three players rolling in parallel. Fribush and Teitel pay off each other in succession. This is great for late-night listening, which is where I’m at right now.
“Compassion” slows down with an unmistakably Deitch-driven rhythm layered with heavy reverb and lots of space.
DTF is a smooth groove, notable for its soft organ intro and light guitar lead. Deitch also uses a light touch on a jazz kit shifting with the organ twists and turns.
Chester is one of favorite tunes on the album and is confirmed as an homage to the B3 great, Chester Thompson, of Tower of Power and Santana fame. CT was known for his great work on the foot pedals on such tunes as Squib Cakes and Ebony Jam. There’s a section where Fribush rides some sustained notes that is unmistakeable, as are some of the licks that sound like the intro/outro tune Oakland Stroke. Well done!
The lead single “Chester” drips with funky organ swells, deep pockets and buttery guitar licks, earning top placement (No. 3) on Spotify’s Jazz-Funk playlist.
Shama is a tranquil, organ-led piece with some primal sound embellishments. Fribush also has a hypnotic solo in the second half that segues into a full trio collaboration up to the close.
“Shama” features the organ in a way that’s reminiscent of Ronnie Foster’s “Mystic Brew”, but layered with cool textures and a catchy melody to create the ballad of the album.
À La Gator is a cute play on words, that works extremely well for this NOLA oriented riff. It leans toward the Creole side with the bounciness of the organ and guitar melody and is a lot of fun.
Poison is a tune for cruising with all of the excitement of a night out. One of the great things about this trio is that they can sound a lot larger than they actually are in the expanse of the music. The organ work here is stellar. I get the impression of some double bass work, but it’s most likely pedal work from Fribush, a great deke for the listener.
DTF turn Bel Biv Divoe’s “Poison” from a 90s hip-hop classic into a modern-day organ trio standard.
Wait Up is a nice vehicle for Teitel, great for chilling’ on warm summer evenings. Here, Fribush and Deitch pave the way for smooth sailing. It’s a fine ending for the trip.
The album concludes with the smooth and catchy “Wait Up”, which puts the capstone on what should be an instant classic for lovers of underground jazz.
Credits
Adam Deitch (Lettuce) – drums
Ari Teitel (Dumpstaphunk) – guitar
Sam Fribush (Hiss Golden Messenger) – organ, synth, Wurtlizer
Purchase on Bandcamp
