Album Review: Break Allegra from Jerry Z

 

Album:  Break Allegra
Artist:  Jerry Z
Label:  Drawbar Records
Release Date:  October 9, 2026
Website:  www.jerry-z.com
 
Hammond B3 organist and composer Jerry Z puts a modern twist on the thick, bluesy-funk grooves of the organ-jazz tradition, presented in his new release Breaking Allegra.  Produced by Jerry Z and his guitarist Oz Noy, the 8-track recording revamps a vintage palette with the aid of tenor saxophonist Chad LB, percussionist Daniel Sadownick, and drummers Mike Clark, Lenny White, and Joe Dyson alternating their parts on the tracks.
 
Opening the program with the uptempo of the title track, Jerry Z's organ incites a bustling dialogue among his band mates, jumping into the conversation with a train of improvised voices, threading lively arcs and twirling patterns along the melodic progression.  The recording dives into the swinging motion of "Rego Park," a pulsating track that features adventurous interplay between Jerry Z's organ and Oz Noy's guitar. 
 
Cream's classic tune "Strange Brew" is performed with  a modern twist as Jerry Z and Noy tweak the retro rock soundscape with a soul-jazz hue.  Changing course in "Zoya," the interaction turns soft and tranquil, creating waves of orchestral warmth.  The scene shifts with the agile riffs and syncopated beats of "Road Dog," turning to a spiritual ether through "Angelie."
 
Dizzy Gillespie's pulse pumping "Bebop" is refreshed with lively engagement between Jerry Z, Noy, and Chad LB.   Settling into a reflective mood along "In the Garden," the interplay between Jerry Z, Chad LB, and Noy radiate a soulful lyricism that is inviting.
 
Jerry Z and his team treat organ-jazz as a piece of clay they can shape into their own vision, not merely to replicate the vision of those before them.  They bring soul, jazz. blues, and funk into a harmonious blend.  Jerry Z is not only influenced by jazz history but he equally adds to jazz music's history.
 
Musicians:
Jerry Z - Hammond B3morgan and composer
Oz Noy - guitar
Chad LB - tenor saxophone
Mike Clark - drums
Lenny White - drums
Joe Dyson - drums
Daniel Sadownick - percussion