Mitch Towne - Refuge (2025)

A musician based in Nebraska with an illustrious career as an organist and composer, Mitch Towne is about to release his album Refuge. This record is unmistakably the fruit of his many collaborations and seems to foreshadow the magnificent performances he will bring to the stage in upcoming festivals. His ability to navigate effortlessly between diverse styles has made him a sought-after accompanist, having worked with artists as varied as John “J.R.” Robinson, Buddy Miles, and Aloe Blacc, as well as the Grammy Award-winning jazz/R&B artist and producer Terrace Martin. His collaborations extend to jazz luminaries such as Tom Scott, Ryan Kisor, Matt Wilson, Dave Stryker, Jerry Bergonzi, Joel Frahm, Troy Roberts, and Dan Wilson, not to mention blues artist Eric Gales. Notably, Towne played the organ on Push, a track from Terrace Martin’s Velvet Portraits, which was nominated for Best R&B Album at the 2016 Grammy Awards.

This album, classic in form yet modern in its arrangements, steers clear of ostentatious originality. Instead, Towne strives to be a bridge between past and present—a sentiment undoubtedly reflected in the album’s title, Refuge. I found myself returning to this record multiple times. While its appeal is immediate, a deeper understanding of the emotions conveyed by the organist requires attentive listening to the arrangements and melodic lines.

Ultimately, a certain nostalgia lingers throughout the album, making it a musical sanctuary in which one feels at ease. Towne places his instrument at the forefront without overshadowing the musicians who accompany him with remarkable finesse. His approach remains deeply rooted in tradition, which will undoubtedly resonate with those who favor a relatively classic form of jazz.

The album features a formal yet captivating trio: Mitch Towne on Hammond organ, Tetsuya Nishiyama on guitar, and Jeffrey Johnson on drums. The repertoire consists primarily of new compositions, with the exception of Steepian Faith, a piece by Kenny Kirkland. Refuge could well serve as a reference for aspiring musicians seeking to master the art of the jazz trio, as everything here is meticulously optimized for maximum musical and stage impact. This album is, without a doubt, one of our “Coup de Cœur” of 2025.