This is a previously unreleased live album by Motown associated guitarist Dennis Coffey which was recorded live In Detroit in 1968 in the company of Lyman Woodard on organ and Melvin Davis on drums. It is a fine recording of the soul-jazz variety and one that is worthy of hearing as they cover a wide range of rhythm and blues and pop music with a jazzy flair and nonchalant virtuosity. "Fuzz" opens the album with a pleasing organ and drums groove, with some snarling and effects tinged guitar giving the music grit and propulsion. The trio moves together nicely with sparks of electric guitar igniting the clouds of swirling keyboard and snappy drumming. This was a weekly gig for the trio at the time and that led to some very tight playing and inventive improvising. The Jimmy Webb pop song "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" is taken with a lighter and more melodic touch, painting in pastel tones which made for a much jazzier performance. The longest piece of the album, "The Look Of Love" is another pop song, made popular by Dusty Springfield in 1967. The band patiently takes the listener on a journey from a plaintive statement of the theme, that is the foundation for a slowly unfolding extrapolation of the music complete with waves of rolling organ, shards of guitar and a deep rhythmic groove, making for a very interesting improvised jam. Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage" brings the music back to modern jazz territory taking a subtle guitar-led reading of the melody over shimmering keyboard and percussion. They double down into a more complex and exciting improvised section, upping the speed of the performance, before delving back down for a subtler landing. "The Big D" takes the group back into rhythm and blues territory, with Coffey adding effects to his guitar and the organ and drums locked in tight, making for a storming soul jazz improvisation. This was a very good recording, and it was definitely deserving of release. Something special happened when these three people played music together, and their ability to meld jazz and soul contributed to a continuously interesting album.
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