Chester Thompson – Powerhouse (1971) [Black Jazz Records Reissue]

Bay Area Organ Grooves, Raw and Unfiltered

Before joining legendary acts like Tower of Power and Santana, keyboardist Chester Thompson had already laid the groundwork for greatness. His 1971 debut album Powerhouse—originally released on the revered and highly collectible Black Jazz Records label—remains one of the label’s rarest gems. Now, over five decades later, this electric jazz-funk essential has been newly remastered and reissued, giving listeners another chance to experience the raw energy and virtuosity that put Thompson on the map.

Long considered one of the most accomplished and decorated keyboardists to come out of the Bay Area music scene, Thompson’s resume spans decades of genre-defining work. But on Powerhouse, recorded a few years before his breakout with Tower of Power, he’s front and center—tearing through grooves on a Hammond B-3 organ with ferocious command and soulful flair.

Backing Thompson on this blazing session is a tight ensemble of heavy hitters:

• Rudolph Johnson (Black Jazz Records alum) on sax

• Raymond Pounds (Pharoah Sanders, Stevie Wonder, Pointer Sisters) on drums

• Al Hall Jr. (Johnny Hammond, Freddie Hubbard, Eddie Harris) on trombone

The album features just four extended tracks, spread out across two sides—each one a deep dive into electric jazz fusion, funk-infused improvisation, and tight, relentless grooves.

---

Tracklist – Powerhouse (1971)

Side One

1. Mr. T

2. Trip One

Side Two

1. Weird Harold

2. Powerhouse

---

With liner notes featuring reflections from Tower of Power drummer Dave Garibaldi and fellow Bay Area keyboardist Todd Cochran (aka Bayeté), this reissue also includes fresh context for Thompson’s influence on the sound of modern jazz and funk.

The limited edition pressing comes on stunning blue with black swirl vinyl, capped at just 750 copies—a must-have for jazz vinyl collectors and Hammond organ enthusiasts.