New CD
Still Smokin’ After All These Years:
Organist Paul Moran
Releases Second Volume of High-Energy Hits on Hammond B3
Brand-new CD from multi-instrumentalist Paul Moran,
Van Morrison’s long-time musical director:
Smokin’ B3 Vol. 2: Still Smokin’
The word “multi-talented” doesn’t begin to describe Paul Moran. The London-based musician may be best known as Van Morrison’s musical director, playing keyboards and brass on several of the hit-maker’s CDs such as Astral Weeks Live at the Hollywood Bowl, Born to Sing: No Plan B, and Re-working the Catalogue.
But Moran’s 25-plus years as a professional musician include an array of diverse experiences. Since his early days of creating jazz-influenced house dance music, Moran has demonstrated his abilities as a composer, arranger, band leader, and musical director in practically every genre, including pop, jazz, rock, country, classical, R&B, and more. He has made music on stages, in studios, and on camera with the likes of Bette Midler, George Benson, Natalie Cole, Peter Townsend, Buddy Greco, Maceo Parker, and even Monty Python. Moran has appeared in venues from Ronnie Scott’s to the Hollywood Bowl, and his compositions have been heard on the BBC, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and on Sony Playstation games.
On Smokin’ B3 Vol. 2: Still Smokin’, Moran makes himself at home behind the Hammond B3, paying tribute to organ greats he cites as influences including Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff, and Richard “Groove” Holmes. Still Smokin’ offers a solid mix of tender ballads (“Have You Seen Her”), cookers (“Ruby Blues”), jazz standards (“The Work Song”), originals (“Scallywag”), and familiar pop tunes (“Come Together”).
Highlight from Smokin’ B3 Vol. 2: Still Smokin’ include:
Moran salutes organist Richard “Groove” Holmes with this hard swinging version of “Where or When,” penned by Rodgers and Hart in the 1930s for the Broadway musical Babes in Arms. Often delivered as a wistful ballad, the tune has fantastic drive this time around.
From its delicate opener to its crisp but funky ending, guitarist Jim Mullen shines on this knowing take on Fats Domino’s classic rockin’ New Orleans hit “Blueberry Hill.” The New Orleans vibe doesn’t stop with just one tune—check out Moran’s take on Allen Toussaint’s “Workin’ in the Coal Mine.”
“Fried Chicken” is steeped in the timeless down-home organ band tradition, with a deep, greasy groove. Besides shining on the keys, Moran also contributes a brilliant trumpet solo.
While Paul Moran maintains a busy international touring schedule with Van Morrison and others, we’re lucky that he makes time every couple of years to produce another ear-catching album as a leader. Let’s hope there are more where this one came from.
Paul Moran Smokin' B3 Vol 2 Still Smokin' (Prudential Records : PRR-0038)
Hammond Organ, Trumpet & Flugelhorn- Paul Moran, Electric and Acoustic Guitar- Nigel Price, Electric Bass- Laurence Cottle, Drums- MezClough, Percussion- Michael Osbourne, Electric Guitar- Jim Mullen Drums Adam Roman, Percussion- Jeff Scantlebury
UPC: 040232612145
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