Detroit-based guitarist Dennis Coffey made a healthy living as the guitarist for the famed Motown studio band The Funk Brothers, playing the backing music for hits by the Temptations, Edwin Starr, The Supremes, etc. His “other” life was, and still is, as a swinging guitarist, guitarist. This album from 1968 in a wide ranging and wonderfully bopping set with long time trio mates Lyman Woodard/B3 and Melvin Davis/dr is the second set (the first was Hot Coffey in the D from a couple of years ago) of a night in the cozy Detroit club Morey Baker’s Showplace, and it covers the waterfront on what makes a great musician.
All of these songs were done in one take, with a two drink minimum, no frills or spills, just great music and interpretations. The trio is like a musical variety show, covering material ranging from STAXY soul to the Beatles’ and even some bebop thrown in during the humming “Billie’s Bounce.” The team knows how to get down and funky as on a hip hugger of “Eleanor Rigby” with moody Hammond musings, while Woodard huffs and puffs on The Rascals’ “Groovin’.” Coffey’s guitar is fuzzy and fun as the chords chunk away on “It’s Your Thing” with the team driving like a 68 Mustang on “I’m a Midnight Mover.” Coffey and company get high octane on the rocker “Mind Bender” and Davis’ ride cymbal is crisp as Coffey picks and grins on “Burning Spear.” Who these days can swing such a wide variety of tunes? A different era and attitude, embarrassing to today’s so-called artists. Grab it a have a blast.