Brian Ho's album, Organic, is a mixture of five of his original compositions and three covers. Brian's original compositions are quickly becoming favorites. The album also includes his interpretation of the now late Amy Winehouse song, Rehab, along with a stellar rendition of Horace Silver's "Song For My Father" and an inside-out "In a Sentimental Mood" that has to be heard. Brian plays Hammond B3 Organ and is endorsed by Hammond-Suzuki Organs and Leslies. Joining Brian is guitarist Calvin Keys (Ray Charles, Jimmy Smith, Jack Mc Duff), drummer Lorca Hart (son of Billy Hart), and tenor saxophonist, Oscar Pangilinan. Pete Fallico of Doodlin Records and KCSM (FM 91.1) states, "The whole package offers such a refreshing palate of organ combo grooves and sonic delights that even the most naïve will nod in approval. With ‘Organic,' Brian Ho moves this music forward as a modern proponent of our contemporary Jazz Organ genre." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Excerpts from the liner notes by Pete Fallico (Doodlin' Lounge - www.doodlinlounge.com and KCSM FM 91.1 - www.kcsm.org) - Brian Ho represents the newest wave of organists. Brian’s influences have been the usual suspects: Jimmy Smith et al. This makes him a believer in the history of this musical genre and a contributor to its legacy. With ‘Organic’, his debut recording, Brian demonstrates how cooperative the organ can be and how valuable an ensemble instrument it actually is. Brian plays this music, as he feels it, in conjunction with his band mates and with all due respect to the history of jazz organ and the progressions it has gone through. His style is developing, as it should be, but his approach is as accurate as a Lamborghini in the turns of the autostrada. As the date-leader, Brian was able to put his own stamp on this collaboration by contributing five originals and the arranging. His allegiance and appreciation for his band-mates, however, reigns supreme. “Calvin is almost like a teacher when he plays with me," admits Brian. “He’s played with so many organ players including Jimmy Smith, Jack Mc Duff, Charles Earland, and Big John Patton. Lorca always plays off what I do and I think that is really important. It seems like Lorca and I have been playing forever. I love what he does. He plays with a modern feel but at the same time, he’s swinging with many ideas. Oscar is another Bay Area player who has been quite busy with a number of Bay Area groups. He sounds fantastic with the organ.” “Organically," states Brian, “the recording came together quickly because we play so much together that we got to know each other’s playing and personalities so well.” The tracks on this CD offer a variety of tempos, organ moods and danceable rhythms. ‘Tres Ritmo’ has a strong head and possesses great energy. ‘Beat Street’ showcases Lorca’s drumming in near Caribbean fashion. ‘Song For My Father’ shows deference to the classic organ combo vocabulary with a lighthearted feel and a sparkling solo from Calvin. ‘Rehab’ gives a nod to contemporary vocalist Amy Winehouse as it swings and sways with an encore-like feel. ‘Artful Dodger’ gives a Bossa Nova feel to a beautiful ensemble effort. The rhythmic head and bridge make way for welcome space between solos. ‘Restoring the Faith’ allows Oscar to show his complete awareness of his horn as he solos magnificently. The time, here, is most interesting. ‘In A Sentimental Mood’ lets us hear how this group handles a ballad. The results are amazing. Brian gives a full orchestral lift to the piece and away they go! The final track, ‘Reversi,' is a great vehicle for Brian and Calvin to unleash their expressive energy. The whole package offers such a refreshing palate of organ combo grooves and sonic delights that even the most naïve will nod in approval. With ‘Organic,' Brian Ho moves this music forward as both an ensemble player and a modern proponent of our contemporary Jazz Organ genre.