Charlie Apicella

Sparks (Carlo, 2009) set things in motion for this band, as guitarist-leader Charlie Apicella planted his flag in soul jazz territory by delivering direct-and-honest originals and covering the music of organist Dr. Lonnie Smith, guitarist Grant Green, and saxophonist Lou Donaldson; The Business (Carlo, 2011), with another Green number ("Donny Brook") and a tip of the cap to slick saxophonist Stanley Turrentine ("Stanley's Time"), operated in the same orbit; and this album, with a double shot of Green, a Willie Dixon classic, and a nod to The Supremes ("I Hear A Symphony"), is basically cut from the same cloth. That, however, doesn't mean that it's the same. Apicella has furthered his art with each record, extending and expanding his outlook while remaining firmly attached to the roots of the music.