'Hammonday' by DIL Trio

The sound of the iconic Hammond organ calls to mind the great organ trios and performances from its revered 1960s period where names like Brother Jack McDuff and Jimmy Smith helped to usher the sound outside of its church roots and subsequently help to evolve the Hammond sound into one of jazz and funk lore.

For a label that enthusiastically champions Italian and European jazz as adeptly as A.MA Records do, it's always refreshing to see them delve into varying facets of the genre and, further, to create a space where their own artists embrace the freedoms afforded to them and their music.

Pianist Irina Pavlovic made her formal introductions to the A.MA audience via her sensational debut, 'The Soulful Heritage', in late-2023.  A beautiful record that demonstrated Pavlovic's immeasurable talents as a composer, performer and band leader but ultimately a record that has proved to showcase just one of what appears to be many sides to her musical make-up.

Swapping the piano for the Hammond organ, 'Hammonday' finds Pavlovic align with guitarist Dušan Petrović and drummer Luka Jovičić under the banner of the DIL Trio to create a record in line with the rich lineage of the instrument - be it within a hard bop aesthetic or one of soul-jazz.

Recorded in Belgrade's Studio Strip in April 2024, the DIL Trio may just be celebrating their debut release but are actually a collective that have been performing together over a five year period.  Arranging their time together through weekly sessions - subsequently entitled "Hammond day" - the trio have cultivated a musical bond that sees them pour so much of their own distinct sounds into the project that, while naturally paying homage to the genre's architects, Petrović, Jovičić & Pavlovic prove just as focused at making their own distinct mark on the music and evolving perceptions beyond traditional expectations for the Hammond sound.

The album opens with 'You Move Me' - a track that initially offers up a familiar swing in its presentation before unleashing some fantastic playing from Dušan Petrović on guitar.  There's a charming slinkiness to 'Spy Walk' that plays neatly into the song's title but then 'Gledaj Pravo' introduces some really captivating energy into the album through an undeniable groove that makes the track's seven minutes just fly by.  While the original version of 'Lights Off' serves as an engaging album highlight, the alternate take supplied as the album's bonus track - featuring trombonist Corey Wilcox - is a real treasure that anyone would be grateful to have included amongst the line-up.

And it's very much these charismatic and personality-driven nuances that is what makes 'Hammonday' such a joyful listen.  With all three musicians helping to create such a warm and intimate project that thrives from these vibrant musical textures, exquisite interplay and sublime compositions, 'Hammonday' proves a decisive win for all involved.