Requisites

Down To Earth ~ Freddie Roach | By Eddie Carter

Submitted for your approval from the library this morning is an underrated, yet wonderful 1962 album by organist Freddie Roach. Down To Earth (Blue Note BLP 4113/BST 84113) was the first of five releases he recorded as a leader for the label, and brings together a hard-swinging quartet featuring Perry France on tenor sax, Kenny Burrell on guitar, and Clarence Johnston on drums. France and Burrell appeared on Jimmy Smith’s Home Cookin’ album, and this hard-bop session by Roach follows in the same vein, with a classic organ-jazz foundation. My copy is the 1994 Toshiba-EMI Japanese stereo reissue, which shares the original catalog number.

The opener, De Bug, is the first of five originals by Freddie Roach, and a catchy original that begins with the quartet’s medium melody. Kenny gets things started with a leisurely opening solo. Perry follows with a marvelously executed reading, and Freddie continues making it fun in the finale, leading to the group’s ending theme and slow dissolve. Ah Miz is Freddie’s play on the phrase “I’m Is,” and the group gets things going with a bluesy midtempo theme. Perry leads off this time with a joyously carefree presentation. Kenny unfolds the second reading as smoothly as velvet, and Freddie extends the happy mood toward the ensemble’s closing chorus and fadeout.

Lujon is a beautiful tune by Henry Mancini that comes to life with Kenny and Clarence’s subtle introduction to the ensemble’s melody. Kenny has the first say and approaches the solo with elegant simplicity. Perry follows with a touching interpretation, and Freddie comes in last, gently, before the quartet restates the ending and the song fades out softly. Freddie Roach’s Althea Soon picks up the pace to begin the second side with the group’s medium melody. Perry leads the way and takes the listener on an eventful ride, then Kenny keeps it going with an easy swing. Freddie has the last word and makes an indelible impression ahead of the theme’s restatement and close.

More Mileage is Freddie Roach’s tribute to Miles Davis and pure, greasy quartet funk, letting the foursome swing easily through the opening chorus. Kenny sets the pace with a relaxed attitude on the opening statement. Perry takes the reins next with a cheerful reading. Freddie turns in another standout turn ahead of the theme’s reprise and fadeout. Lion Down is Freddie’s nod to Blue Note founder Alfred Lion, and the ensemble operates at an effortless shuffle tempo. Perry gets right down to business on the opening statement. Kenny lays out his ideas in the following reading, and Freddie brings considerable enthusiasm before the theme returns and finishes!

Alfred Lion produced Down To Earth with Rudy Van Gelder managing the recording console. The Toshiba reissue sounds good, though not exceptional, as the organ microphone overmodulates and grows increasingly distorted as the album progresses. That said, fans of soul-jazz and jazz organ will find Freddie Roach’s Down To Earth a delight, even though it remains one of Blue Note’s most overlooked albums. It’s a swinging set that rewards repeated listening, and I hope you’ll consider seeking it out on your next record-shopping trip!

~ Home Cookin’ (Blue Note BLP 4050/BST 84050) – Source: Discogs.com

© 2026 by Edward Thomas Carter

CALIFORNIA JAZZ FOUNDATION

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