Hood Smoke - Laid Up in Ordinary (2012)

The almighty get down is well represented in this debut recording from Chicago firebomb, Hood Smoke. The 13-track disc is a groove-driven effusion of straight on soul, funky organ jazz and rock-inspired guitar with a straight link to bands of the '70s such as Seawind and Rufus. Bassist Bryan Doherty, a versatile and dynamic mainstay on the Chicago music scene, wrote and produced the CD. His sophisticated, force-of-nature bass lines provide the rhythmic foundation for Sarah Marie Young, winner of the 2011 Montreux Jazz Voice Competition, who blows well beyond her jazz roots to unleash an inner wail that is pristinely articulate yet satisfyingly gritty. The band is solidly rounded out with drummer Michael Caskey, Rob Clearfield on keyboards and Dave Miller on guitar.