Over the past few years, the availability and approachability of good jazz has been growing exponentially. With the emergence of Medeski, Martin and Wood as live powerhouses and the legendary John Scofield releasing numerous albums with the cream of the "younger" crop, the scene has never been easier to love. With their first release on Blue Note Records, "Doin' Something", Soulive has placed themselves on the top of the twentysomething groove-based jazz scene. Known for their intensely compelling live performances, this Chicago based trio extends where their previous release, "Turn it Out", left off, giving us jazz that is as much soul as it is rock 'n' roll and enough funky rhythms to keep the happy-feet population at ease. The eleven original tunes on this disc show an understanding of the tenets of good jazz, but they don't forget to push the limit, all the while keeping a focus that will hold your attention from start to finish.
- Charlie Kuller
