Mark Whitfield: OGD (Road Song)

OGD is one of the most recognizable songs in Wes Montgomerys catalogue, and yet Mark Whitfields trio, the Groove Masters, owns it here. Mark Whitfield and the Groove Masters is one of the best organ trio recordings to come along in recent years, and OGD is its highlight. In one measure Whitfield carefully searches for his notes, and in the next he picks with blazing speed. Dr. Lonnie Smith plays a single bass note for much of the tune, infusing it with a heart-pumping quality, and out of his hands spill some of the most soulful notions ever heard in the Eastern Hemisphere or anywhere else. Drummer Winard Harper doesnt seek the spotlight, but his constantly changing propulsion is key to the dynamic feeling of the performance.