Relix Magazine Reviews "Unwound" by Mike Mangan's Big Organ Trio

Mike Mangan’s Big Organ Trio Album: Unwound  P-Vine Records 

"There is no question why artists ranging from The Doors’ Robby Krieger to Jerry Garcia Band’s Melvin Seals have praised Mike Mangan’s Big Organ Trio: Simply put, these guys can play. The former jambands.com new Groove of the month mix together Robert walter-inspired Hammond B-3 funk with a blend of jazz-fusion where the organ is turned up loud, played fast and completely in the listener’s face from the start of the opening track “on The Fritz.” The band soars during covers of Booker T.’s “Hip-Hug-Her”and Jimi Hendrix’s “Manic Depression,” the latter of which features Mangan playing a solo that’s almost indistinguishable from the guitar work in the Are You Experienced?-era original. The album’s highlights are the slinky “Fly in the ointment” (featuring fellow california native keyboardist Steve Molitz) and the album’s closer “Wiggle Room,” which features virtuosic use of Mangan’s clavinet."

 

Justin Sachs - RELIX