The tenth release from the celebrated Nigel Price Organ Trio reaffirms the group’s reputation as one of the most prolific and hard-working ensembles in British jazz — perhaps the most relentless touring jazz group in the UK of the 21st century. Known for their blistering live shows, telepathic interplay, and deep roots in the organ trio tradition, this new album captures the trio at their most dynamic, confident, and expressive.
Guitarist Nigel Price, one of the UK’s foremost jazz guitar voices, is joined by two world-class collaborators: Ross Stanley on Hammond organ and Joel Barford on drums. Together they deliver a set that’s as muscular as it is melodic, blending soul-jazz grit with modern sophistication. Price speaks glowingly of his bandmates, saying, “I’ve never heard Ross play a bad note, and he absolutely played out of his skin on this record.” Stanley’s command of the Hammond organ has earned him international respect through collaborations with legends like Maceo Parker and, more recently, Robben Ford. His playing here is both fiery and fluid, anchoring the trio with harmonic depth and rhythmic drive.
Behind the kit, Joel Barford injects fresh energy and imagination. One of the most vibrant young drummers on the UK scene, Barford thrives in the open, conversational space that the organ trio format provides. His touch and timing bring both finesse and fearless swing, making him a perfect counterpart to Price’s blues-infused lines and Stanley’s rich harmonic palette. The trio’s chemistry is electric — years of touring have forged a collective instinct where risk and trust coexist in perfect balance.
Six of the nine tracks are original compositions by Price, highlighting his considerable gifts as a writer as well as a player. His tunes are taut and memorable, steeped in groove yet open to exploration. Each piece feels tailor-made for this compact, powerful ensemble, allowing for intricate interplay and spontaneous moments of magic. The recording session, by all accounts, was a relaxed and inspired affair — the kind of environment where creative sparks fly freely. What emerged is an album brimming with vitality and groove, a showcase of three musicians at the height of their craft.
Price’s credentials read like a map of contemporary British jazz history. With over sixty albums to his name, including eight as a leader, he has carved out a career defined by consistency and creative vision. He spent a decade with the acclaimed acid-jazz outfit The Filthy Six, was a member of James Taylor’s JTQ for three years (recording five albums during his tenure), and has shared stages with legendary composer and producer David Axelrod. Beyond his musicianship, Price has become known for his tireless dedication to the UK jazz scene, single-handedly organizing extensive national tours that have become legendary for their scale and ambition.
This new release stands as both a celebration of that hard-won legacy and a statement of continued artistic evolution. From the joyful pulse of “Make Someone Happy” to the funky swagger of “Backatcha,” the hard-driving “It’s On!,” and the sultry groove of “Midnight Mood,” the album traverses moods with effortless cohesion. Each track reveals another facet of the trio’s shared language — grounded in the jazz tradition but alive with the energy of now.
The Nigel Price Organ Trio have long been admired for their ability to bring sophistication and swing to audiences across the UK and beyond. With this latest album, they reaffirm their position not only as masters of their craft, but as vital keepers of the organ trio flame — balancing soul, intellect, and sheer joy in every bar.
Nigel Price on guitar, Ross Stanley on Hammond organ, and Joel Barford on drums — three voices, one conversation, and a sound that’s unmistakably their own.
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