Parlor Greens’ In Green / We Dream is a riveting and funky debut album. Organist Adam Scone, guitarist Jimmy James and drummer Tia Carman bring the sum of their heady playing experiences together to create an organ trio that leans heavily on soul, funk and jazz.
The 10 originals on In Green / We Dream are varied and effective. While engaging, the album’s closer and sole cover, “My Sweet Lord,” only confirms the care and attention that has gone into the original songs and their arrangements.
The LP-opening “Driptorch” jumps out of the speakers with melodic guitar leads by James and muscular drumming from Carman. Scone’s organ lines and solo add an expressive element that emphasizes the composition’s funky underpinnings. The title track is a pocket-heavy, jazzy romp. Carman’s tasty pocket weaves and expressive element with Scone’s bass pedals enhance the mood. Scone and James lay down tasty, Memphis-like solos.
“West Memphis,” one of three singles released from In Green / We Dream, is built on a clean Steve Cropper-like guitar figure by James and a mean shuffle from Carman. James’ leads are evocative while serving the melody. Additionally, the stabs of the B3 organ add an aggressive layer. The song, at a little over three minutes, just gets going before it’s over.
“Steam Presser,” another album favorite, capitalizes on the more is less approach. The organ and guitar playfully mesh around drummer Carmen’s snare and ride work. The song teeters on the edge of jazz and soul, creating the best of both worlds.
Polar Greens delivers a near-perfect debut. The album, recorded live to a Tascam 388 analog machine, sounds fresh and vibrant. It is available now on Colemine Records.
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