What’s the difference between a Hammond B3 and a C3? Can’t tell the difference here-if you can, please let me know, as they both make those wondrous sounds that take you on aural trips to Roller Skating Rinks, Church and baseball parks.
Bill McBirnie plays the flute in leading a trio with Bernie Senensky/B3 and Anthony Michelli/dr and they have a fun filled time with jazz standards and a few surprises of their own. He’s got a rich and fluid tone, and he makes it work wonders on pieces such as a Latinized piece of Porter on “So In Love” and a joyful gospel take of “Yes, Indeed” as well as a bluesy shuffle on The Beatles’ “Oh! Darling.” The rhythm section sizzles on the beboppers like “Minority” and Senenesky pops his chords like he’s whipping a towel in the locker room on “Sister Sadie.” Some free form fun is discovered on Wayne Shorter’s “Yes Or No” and McBirnie’s own “Find Your Place” is luminous and inviting. A definite yes!
Jerry Vivino plays tenor, flute, alto flute and even sings on a cozy “Squeeze Me” on this grooving little collection with Brian Charette/C-3, Bob DeVos/g and Andy Sanesi/dr. Tony Ferrari speaks a bit on the bluesy “What’s Happening Cat?” which also features Vivino’s smoky tenor, while the whole band boogaloos to DeVos’ guitar on “Comin’ Home Baby.” Vivino’s flutes form cirrus clouds of joy on a sleek “Cat Nap” and a hard driving “Cherokee” whlle “Seven Steps to Heaven” spotlights DeVos’ snapping guitar. Charette’s Hammond gives the speakers a workout on the bel canto “When I Fall In Love” and bops with the best on “Miss You the Most.” Lots of fun!