Richard “Groove” Holmes ”Hot Tat”

Richard “Groove” Holmes

”Hot Tat”
( LP Muse Records, 1989 )
Catalog # 5395

Tracklisting:
1. Renee – Richard “Groove” Holmes,
2. Love Letters – Richard “Groove” Holmes, Heyman, Edward
3. I Love Your Smile – Richard “Groove” Holmes, Bridgewater, Cecil
4. Hot Tat – Richard “Groove” Holmes,
5. Polka Dots and Moonbeams – Richard “Groove” Holmes, Burke, Johnny
6. I Gotta Go – Richard “Groove” Holmes,
7. Second Time Around – Richard “Groove” Holmes, Cahn, Sammy
Recording Date:Sep 5, 1989

Review:
Richard “Groove” Holmes had less than two years to live when he recorded Hot Tat, but the Hammond B-3 great gives little or no indication that his health was in decline on this enjoyable, though not essential, soul-jazz date. Much of the time Holmes is in a relaxed mood and generally favors what is essentially mood music, but mood music with integrity. Most of the players heard on 1988’s Blues All Day Long are employed on this album, including tenor saxophonist Houston Person, trumpeter Cecil Bridgewater, guitarist Jimmy Ponder, and percussionist Ralph Dorsey. But this time, Holmes works with bassist Wilbur Bascomb instead of handling all of the bass work himself, and employs Greg Bandy in place of Cecil Brooks III. Hot Tat will be of interest primarily to “Groove” Holmes’ diehard fans; for more casual listeners, Blues All Day Long would be a better introduction to his Muse output.
By Alex Henderson (AMG)

By Pier