McCann's Soul Jazz Groove Hits Prime Form
A tight, swinging trio date that captures McCann's gift for making jazz feel alive and conversational.
By 1998, Les McCann had already established himself as a master of soul jazz, but this trio session shows him still working at full power rather than coasting on reputation. Recorded with Leroy Vinnegar on bass and Frank Severino on drums, the album is exactly what the best jazz trio records should be: economical, purposeful, and grooved to the bone. McCann's piano work here is direct and soulful without the showiness that can sometimes derail jazz pianists. He swings hard, leaves space for the rhythm section to breathe, and never plays a note that doesn't belong.
What makes this stand out is the conversational quality of the interplay. Vinnegar and Severino aren't just keeping time—they're actively shaping the music's direction and responding to McCann's ideas. The tunes themselves serve the trio format well; there's room for soloing without the session ever feeling self-indulgent. This is the kind of record that reminds you why the piano trio remains one of jazz's most durable configurations.
If you're familiar with McCann's earlier soul jazz work, this won't surprise you, but it will remind you why his approach mattered. If you're new to his music, this is a solid entry point—unpretentious, swinging, and genuinely fun to listen to.
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