Richard Groove Holmes Six Million Dollar Man (1975) [j. Edition 2017]

Revered in soul-jazz circles, Richard "Groove" Holmes was an unapologetically swinging Jimmy Smith admirer who could effortlessly move from the grittiest of blues to the most sentimental of ballads. A very accessible, straightforward, and warm player, Holmes was especially popular in the black community and had been well respected on the Philadelphia/Southern New Jersey circuit by the time he signed with Pacific Jazz in the early '60s. He started receiving national attention by recording with such greats as Ben Webster and Gene Ammons. Best known for his hit 1965 version of "Misty," Holmes engaged in some inspired organ battles with Jimmy McGriff in the early '70s before turning to electric keyboards and fusion-ish material a few years later. The organ was Holmes' priority in the mid- to late '80s, when he recorded for Muse (he also had stints throughout his career with Prestige Records and Groove Merchant).

Night Glider is a solid early-'70s funk-jazz set from organist Richard "Groove" Holmes. Propelled by the catchy title track written by fellow keyboardist Horace Ott (who appears here), the album features mostly groove-oriented originals. However, two Carole King-penned tunes, "It's Going to Take Some Time" and "Go Away Little Girl," also add period flair with their mix of R&B soulfulness and singer/songwriter melodicism. Joining Holmes are such soul-jazz regulars as drummer Bernard Purdie, trombonist Garnett Brown, and saxophonist Seldon Powell. Rounding out the group are guitarist Lloyd Davis, bassist Paul Martinez, and conga/bongo player Kwasi Jayourba.