Groove Holmes at Full Throttle in New York
A live snapshot of Holmes commanding the organ with unhurried confidence, backed by sharp accompaniment.
Richard "Groove" Holmes was already an established organist by 1966, and Living Soul (1966) captures him in his element—a New York live date where he had nothing left to prove and everything to enjoy. This is Holmes doing what he'd built his reputation on: playing the organ with a relaxed, blues-rooted touch that never rushed, never overreached. The setup is lean: Holmes on organ, Gene Edwards on guitar, and George Randall on drums, a classic trio that lets every musician breathe.
What strikes you immediately is Holmes's refusal to show off. The organ singing in full, warm tones, the kind that come from someone who understands the instrument's weight and resonance. Edwards answers in kind—no flash, just responsive, solid playing that holds the groove steady. Randall keeps time with a light hand, never imposing. This is the opposite of a showcase; it's a working band comfortable enough with each other to let the music settle into its own pocket.
For listeners already familiar with Holmes, this live document from Prestige confirms what his better recordings always suggested: he was a straightforward player more interested in swing and soul than innovation. If you've heard his studio work and liked the uncomplicated joy of it, Living Soul delivers more of that same feeling, just with the particular energy that comes from playing to an audience rather than into a microphone.
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