Robert Kennedy is a Hammond organist and pianist in the San Francisco area that is keeping the jazz Hammond organ tradition torch burning bright. Joined by guitarist Terrence Brewer and Cody Rhodes on drums, with saxophonist Ben Torres appearing on seven of the ten tracks. The album, titled Closer to Home, is Kennedy’s second full-length release as a leader traversing through a collection of standards and original tunes. The group brings forth a sound that is rich in the organ tradition, stirring in elements of hard bop, soul jazz, blues, gospel rhythms and melodic structures. Most importantly, the band swings with passion and deeply grooves, when it’s time to add in the sho’nuff greasy side.  That’s the short of it!
Closer to Home
1. Wild Bill (3:57)
2. Dat Dere (6:00)
3.Robert’s Reflection (5:27)
4. Come On, Come In (6:10)
5. Do You Know a Good Thing (When You See One)? (5:42)
6. Sista Rissy (6:27)
7. Rakin’ and Scrapin’ (6:35)
8. Carrot Cake (8:22)
9. Sandu (6:55)
10. Alligator Strut (7:26)
Hammond B-3 Organ: Robert Kennedy
guitar: Terrence Brewer
tenor saxophone (tracks 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10): Ben Torres
drums: Cody Rhodes
Release Date: January 12, 2018
Self-Released
1 hour and 3 minutes
The band plays with melodic clarity and rhythmic direction. Great solos throughout, and a nice mix of styles and harmonic settings. The program is a nice blend of standards from different eras and originals that fit the overall sonic flow, that congeals an excellent listen.
Gretchen Parlato and Lionel Loueke, Lean In Review
Jeff Richman, XYZ Review
