Les McCann - Talkin' Verve (1998)

Talkin' Verve collects 16 of the funkiest tracks Les McCann recorded for Verve. Of course, funky can be a relative term -- McCann was the coolest pianist this side of Horace Silver, and his laid-back style may not sit well with the hipsters who are this disc's intended audience. If they keep in mind that the pianist never led a small organ combo, they'll be pleased by this swinging soul-jazz and its warm, friendly atmosphere. Some of the songs are a little slight, but even those are given appealing, coolly funky arrangements that are quite engaging, and that's what makes this a welcome sampler. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine