ROB DIXON

NAPTOWN SOUL

Strikezone Records

Rob Dixon, tenor & soprano saxophones/composer; Dae Stryker, guitar; Sam Fribush, organ; Richard “Sleepy” Floyd, drums.

Rob Dixon’s music is just plain fun!  Years ago, the Indianapolis black musical community coined the term “Naptown as a moniker for the city.  Dixon has coined the title as part of his album title. Indianapolis (“Naptown”) prides itself for birthing a rich jazz legacy with artists like J. J. Johnson, Freddie Hubbard, Wes Montgomery and Slide Hampton. It’s also known for its funk, blues and soul traditions.  Rob Dixon  represents all of that and more.

This soulful saxophonist opens with an original tune called “Sly Vibe.” It sets the tone for the rest of his album.  Track #2 celebrate a Naptown legend, Wes Montgomer.  Rob Dixon reimagines “Bumpin’ on Sunset,” featuring the super guitar talents of Dave Stryker and the organ mastery of Sam Fribush.  Richard “Sleepy” Floyd pops the drums into place, securing the rhythm and not sounding sleepy at all.  The funk this quartet puts into Montgomery’s hit song is infectious.

Rob Dixon was born in Baltimore, Maryland, raised near Atlanta, Georgia, but has spent most of his adult life in Indianapolis. He brings all that soulful history, from each destination, into this project.  The party is on from the first tune to the last three original compositions.  You will enjoy7 the way he covers “Walking in Rhythm” (a Roy Ayers smash hit) and his take on the Marvin Gaye million seller, “I Want You” written by Leon Ware and Diana Ross’s brother, T-Boy.

This is great music from beginning to end.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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