Story and Photos by James Walker
The Deep Blue Organ Trio was spectacular during their weekly gig last Thursday at the Green Mill at 4802 N. Broadway on the North Side. This North Side Jazz Club has live entertainment 7 nights a week, including several different groups on certain night (details at http://www.greenmilljazz.com).
Deep Blue (Chris Foreman, Hammond B-3 organ; Bobby Broom, guitar; Greg Rockingham, drums) have been perfroming here each Tuesday for the past three years. They recorded a live CD and DVD at this venue this past year for the Delmark Label. On this particular Tuesday, they played before a packed house. Many of those in attendence were out-of-towners who were thoroughly entertained.
Foreman, Brown and Rockingham have played together off and on for about 15 years with Foreman and Rockingham going back together to the early eighties. For a period of time in thr eighties, the late Chicago saxophonist Art Porter played with them. Deep Blue's cohesiveness was quite evident this evening as they played with ease, never missing a beat. Foreman is one of Chicago's finest musicians, who has been playing the Hammond B-3 since he was a child. (Chris revealed to me that he recently began taking classical piano lessons and is thrilled about this new learning experience). Broom, who hails from New York, was on top of his game this evening. His solos were smooth, yet never overbearing. He wasn't trying to impress anyone in just playing as if he was in a room all by himself. Bobby's a true professional who has no problem sharing the limelight. Band leader Rockingham sits back calmly providing the bear and timing that every band needs. Greg comes from a musical family in North Chicago, learning his craft from his father, an outstanding organ player in his own right.
Check this fine group out at the Green Mill and/or pick up their live recording. If you haven't seen these guys before, you will be pleasantly surprised by this under-rated organ trio.
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