March 19, 2018. Guitarist John Hart, Hammond organist Adam Scone and drummer Rudy Albin Petschauer got together to record an album that doesn’t seem like it should make sense —until you realize the idea couldn’t be more perfect. The quintessentially American organ trio plays British pop music in a traditional way on their new release, Leading the British Invasion.
Let’s take a moment to think about what the British Invasion really contributed to popular music. British artists were heavily influenced by American soul, blues and R&B. The outcome was a sound like no other. In this case, Hart, Scone and Albin take popular music from the U.K. and play it in a way that includes jazz, funk, soul and R&B. Quite a way to bring the British Invasion full circle.
The trio gives a nod to Amy Winehouse, along with Adele, Sade and others. They include John Hart’s original composition “Blues for the U.K.,” and the standard “Body and Soul.” A true standout on this album is the treatment of the Lorde hit “Royals”; it has the feel of an anthem, but is still recognizable.
If you’re looking for a way to entice a jazz convert, Leading the British Invasion may lead that novice into a bright new world of music.