With his latest album, Matthew Whitaker is in full command of how he wants to present his talents. A multi-keyboard musician, “On Their Shoulders: An Organ Tribute” is a compilation of compositions by Whitaker and other superior masters of the Hammond organ.
Whitaker’s study and exceptional musicianship on the Hammond organ led to this latest album featuring some of his organ heroes. With the album, he has put his spin on songs by organists Joey DeFrancesco, Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark Terrell, Charles Earland, and Dr. Lonnie Smith, a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master.
“Talking to my parents and manager, I started naming the organists I wanted to feature,” said Whitaker, who plays both the Hammond B-3 and Yamaha Grand organs. “I started naming Jimmy Smith, Lonnie Smith, and Charles Earland. Also, I saw the tribute Howard University did for Richard Smallwood and Twinkie Clark.”
Selections throughout “On Their Shoulders” display the organ’s energetic role in American music.
Opening with “The Organ Grinder’s Swing,” Whitaker is influenced by Jimmy Smith’s version of this 1936 composition by Will Hudson, Mitchell Parish, and Irving Mills. Whitaker has a vocal part by using a bass bubble similar to Smith’s addition to his version.
“Happy Cause I’m Going Home” begins like a wake-up alarm. Whitaker’s opening arrangement is huge. The brass section and the flute deliver a few special solos.
Whitaker plays the organ and piano on Clark’s “Expect Your Miracle.” Added stomps, claps, and praise, courtesy of New Hope Baptist Church in Hackensack, New Jersey, prepare listeners to receive a blessing. The track also has a righteous wrap-up.
Two original compositions by Whitaker are included in “On Their Shoulders.” “Yessaah” is a quick, breezy, feel-good song that will have you moving in your seat. “Don’t Count Me Out opens with a sound that feels like being in a long tunnel. Then the beat moves into a New Orleans-type vibe.
“On Their Shoulders: An Organ Tribute” is Whitaker’s first project on his own label, MOCAT Records. The label name is a tribute to his grandparents, Moses and Catherine Whitaker. Most recently, Whitaker performed at the Kennedy Center during the “Ellington 1250” series of concerts. He performed with his keyboard buddies, Justin Kauflin and José André Montaño.
This album is a great addition to anyone’s music collection.
With a growing list of accomplishments as a composer, bandleader and music director for vocalists Gregory Porter, Carmen Lundy, and others, Whitaker will not be held back.
Go to matthewwhitaker.net to purchase the album.
