I am sat in my study listening to Point Blank as the album emanates from the Sonos speakers vibrating down my inner ear to the cochlear. It’s intense yet relaxing. I am charmed with the choice of tracks in this musical scrapbook that manifest itself as a cover album.

But be forewarned this is no ordinary cover album!

Tony Kofi and The Organisation have the prowess, talent and dexterity to make this performance sound easy. And why wouldn’t it be? These tracks have already been scored and played by countless performers. However, each track still sparkles intensely thanks to modern sound engineering and the difficulty lies in maintaining that sparkle.  

I personally don’t mind cover tracks, especially jazz with all its complex simplicities. The music market for all its genres is continuously flooded with tributes and abstract renditions.  However, if anyone is qualified to play jazz covers on an international level, it is Tony Kofi and The Organisation. The artist featured on this superb album are more than advanced beginners. They have evolved and gone back to basics. This is the meaning of complex simplicities.

Tony Kofi and his collective have done their research and are already known by the big labels. To obtain the performing rights must have been a challenge and I imagine this album could not have been made without the cooperation of other record labels.

The quality of play teases the attention of the listener and in my opinion, is performed fearlessly and with confidence. 

The Duke Pearson classic Minor League is the statement track which delivers a rambunctious opening for this affair. Starting with a quick unaccompanied drum solo, a weighty swing and a deep baritone, this is sure to get your attention just as it did in 1969 for Blue Note.

A relatively new track for this album Boss Allegro was recorded on Clarion Jazz in 2007 by baritone saxophonist Pepper Adams. This arrangement has a distinctive crisp fresh feel, especially during Peter Carter’s drum solo.  All the white spaces are in the right places.

Although we are not talking Pink Panther, The Theme from Mr Lucky written by Henry Mancini still has the sparkle of a diamond. The phrasing is spot on as is the clarity of the notes.

Listen to The Theme from Mr Lucky here

Possibly one of the most challenging tracks to perform is Search for Peace. With its lethargic feel, it is a stark contrast to other tracks featured on this album. This is a here and now moment taking time to reflect on all that is jazz and all that is good. Tony Kofi’s sax is sultry, seductive and smooth. The soft velvet cymbals and buoyant Hammond tones are pitched at the right volume. McCoy Tyner would be proud to play in this collective. 

Without a question of doubt, there can be no arguments about good taste, Cisco, written by Pat Martino in 1967 is my favourite track on this album. The Organisation’s take on this funky tune still maintains that deep vibe, however, it has lost that distinctive pop of the congas which delivered a beat not too dissimilar to the Amen break. It could be deeper, nonetheless, a fantastic tune and one feels the band really enjoyed playing this.

Peter Whittaker and his Hammond B-3 Organ have been possessed by Jimmy Smith as he plays the fast and furious Ready and Able. No kidding! This is the real deal. And if that isn't enough to take your breath away, Tony Kofi grinds the timbre of the baritone sax like the smooth texture of a precious jewel. It will dazzle you. 

In summary, this is a great album. I have to be honest I listened to it that many times I could find no fault with the selection of tracks and a superb performance all the way through. The melodies vary as do the tempos. Tony appears as the frontman. However, credit is given to the other artist who made this what it is.

Treasure this precious, coveted music scrapbook.

Credits:

Tony Kofi - Baritone Saxophone

Simon Fensby - Guitar

Pete Whittaker - Organ

Peter Carter - Drums

Label: The Last Music Company