Organ Fairchild is a serious band with a fun name, producing outstanding, fun music. The album “Boom!”—the band’s fourth album—is probably my favorite, and each tune is strikingly sonically sound. Organ Fairchild out of Buffalo, NY, is a traditional organ trio—organ, guitar, and drums—that shows off each of their members from time to time and has a bigger sound than their actual numbers. The compositions here have some old-school feel and yet still sound fresh and contemporary. The tunes often have a theme or vibe, and that is conveyed in the titles and the music proper. The variation from track to track makes it easy to play repeatedly without sounding repetitive. Dive into my coverage of each track and enjoy listening on your favorite system.
One of the fun things Organ Fairchild had done was a comic-book-like “ad” for each track on the vinyl album. Here are a couple of samples …
ASLEEP IN THE PEW
Doze your way through that tedious sermon with new “Sleep-Eez” glasses! Realistic printed eyes tell the world you’re wide awake while you catch some much needed rest. Also perfect for school, work, family dinners! Available in blue, brown and hazel.
THE HEALING
Miracle scientific ointment cures boils, blemishes, warts, cankers, eczema, shingles, rashes. Pleasant kerosene scent. Safe for most types of skin. Topical use only – do not ingest!
[WORKS EVERY TIME!* — * Does not work every time.]
Track-By-Track
Westside Bowl kicks off with a hurricane roar before settling into a relaxed-paced organ ride. Joe glides along with Dave and Corey laying the foundation. After another brief gust of wind, Dave takes a short guitar bridge. Joe comes back on electric piano followed by another short guitar interlude. The catchy, four-note bar that comprises the main theme takes us to the ride-out of this nice opener.
“Bouncy track named for the Youngstown OH bowling
alley/music venue where it was created at soundcheck”
Sapana has an opening guitar riff distinctive enough to fit as an opening for a Snarky Puppy song (if you know, you know). The word “Sapana” itself, as far as I can tell, translates from various India-based languages as “dream” or “oath.” It certainly evokes an Eastern feel, with the guitar sounding like a sitar at several points and the sustained organ sounding psychedelic and mystical. At over eight minutes, it’s the longest tune on the album by far, and yet it feels just right. It stands out as the “Within You and Without You” epic song of the collection (if you know, you know).
“Sanskrit for “dream,” Sapana is an Eastern-flavored journey of a song that is by far the group’s most requested in concert”
Waves of Daniel Lorem begins with a recorded message to “Dan” over the guitar intro. This one is a terrific example of Joe playing “bass” with the left hand organ. The cross stick pattern and background organ gives the feel of traveling as if on a metro somewhere although I imagine that those are the “Waves.” Ruch plays a two part main super-catchy theme that transitions to a harder-edged version in the second half with the trio hammering it home before settling down. Joe takes a exquisite electric piano-B3 solo right up to the end, smashing it with Dave and Corey. The close is another recorded message to Daniel.
“Named for late friend and former band member Daniel DJ Bonin and featuring some salvaged clips of his voice”
BOOM! is of course, the title track and it has a retro jazz feel at the start, akin to another favorite of mine The New Mastersounds. The punchy guitar line rides on top of he organ until they reverse and the organ comes to the forefront. Ruch then plucks a guitar solo that echoes surf music from the 60s a la Dick Dale. It’s a joy ride right up to the continuosly strummed fadeout.
“Inspired by The New Mastersounds after the two groups shared a stage in Cleveland”
Yum makes me feel like I’m on a beach in Hawaii, even though I’ve never been there. It’s got such a tropical feel from Ruch’s guitar lead. It’s soooo relaxing right up to the break. Then Joe slaps down a gorgeous electric piano section that segues into another island theme from Dave. The buildup at the end from Dave just heightens the excitement. The only thing this song needs is a Mai Tai!
“Who knew drummers could write such great songs? The title was inspired by band friend Vinnie Amico (moe.) and his cooking videos”
Valorous Boots has Corey establishing the pocket for Joe and Dave. Dave takes the lead in this fast-paced, soulful-strut-feeling song. He’s just ripping off some great jams and passes the baton to Joe who can match his pace and style. When they both come together, there’s the great surprise of the chants of “Hey!”—such a fun track.
“The Fearless (Valorous) Flyers and Bootsy (Boots) Collins both factor in here as strong influence”
The Healing has Dave playing a beautiful, reflective guitar solo before Corey and Joe join in, highlighting key points. Its downtempo makes it great for meditative moments, for example, at dawn or at bedtime. It’s a chill vibe, and a perfectly executed lullaby for contemplation.
“Written on a new guitar Dave took delivery of the very same day he broke his elbow! This is the first music that came out of the instrument four weeks later when he was cleared to play again”
Easter Rain is another personal favorite of mine, highlighted by the synth-simulated bamboo flute effect used throughout. The head is a touch like another favorite band of mine, Lotus, who are pioneers of jamtronica. The main melody is carried by Dave with Joe in the background, but in the middle, the bamboo flute effect on the synth makes this tune so distinctive. Dave takes a solo at the bridge and it’s followed by a brief section where Joe plays what sounds like a Santana organ section to me. This one takes a few different twists — so intricate.
“Phil Collins got paired up with Guaguancó (an Afro Cuban rhythm) on a rainy Easter morning in Corey’s home studio and this song was hatched”
Asleep in the Pew has a title that so aptly describes the music. Joe plays the organ part straight up out of church and transitions to a solo electric piano section that is just heavenly. The band then builds a raucous, all-out church choir-style melody; I see people dancing in the aisles to this one. It’s got a full-on gospel feel to it, fast-paced right to the fade.
“We’ve all been there, right? Musically this track goes from traditional Roman Catholic church to a born-again Evangelical setting to a full-on joyous “shout ceremony””
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