There are certain songs that just grab you, regardless of who's singing them. 'Drowning in the Sea of Love' would easily be one of those songs. Whether it's of Joe Simon's original or the surprisingly good version of Ringo Starr's! My first encounter with Ronnie Foster was through its instrumental version on Two Headed Freap, with the deep, Hammond-driven groove and the album became a favorite on its own.

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Ronnie Foster is referred to as "one of the true legends of the Hammond Organ" in the funk and soul jazz world. He is a multifaceted talent—organist, record producer, keyboardist, and arranger. ✨

The Hammond organ, originally designed for churches, carries a signature warmth and resonance that shaped gospel music. However, in the hands of jazz musicians, it transforms into an instrument of deep funkiness and innovation. Pioneers like Jimmy Smith then take it beyond its sacred origins, infusing it with blues, swing, and bebop elements, which in turn influence generations of players—including Ronnie Foster, who would take it even further into the groove. This dedication, coupled with mentorship from the legendary Jimmy Smith, laid the foundation for Foster's unique style.

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​"Eventually, he attended a jam session where there was an organ in addition to a piano. After trying the organ, he decided to concentrate on the instrument. He listened to Jimmy Smith, gradually making his way to more adventurous players like Larry Young. A local Buffalo organist, Joe Madison, gave him advice, and Foster practiced regularly at a studio where he would rent a room with an organ for 60 cents an hour." (Ronnie Foster Biography by Matt Collar in AllMusic)

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Ronnie Foster's solo style is characterized by “funky vamps and a deep groove”, creating a sonic landscape that is both captivating and danceable. Although some critics have noted his preference for “groove over risky improvisation,” this stylistic choice is what makes his sound so distinctive. His career is full of collaborations with an impressive range of performers, including George Benson, David Sanborn, Stevie Wonder, Stanley Turrentine, and Djavan, proving his popularity. 🌟

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Foster's first album, Two Headed Freap, is published on the prestigious Blue Note label in 1972. This jazz organ classic and soul jazz masterpiece perfectly captures the spirit of early 1970s funk. The album is a musical adventure, full of "hip, alive, groovy" energy, "greasy Hammond organ" sounds, and that distinctive "funky 70s thang."

Standout tracks like "Chunky," "Mystic Brew," and the title track, alongside covers of Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" and Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff's "Drowning in the Sea of Love," showcase Foster's mastery. His long, flowing solos are amazing—creating one funky groove after another. 

Critics have described the album as "cinematic, colorful, and funky," comparing it to the sounds of Sly Stone, Herbie Hancock, Isaac Hayes, Curtis Mayfield, Brother Jack McDuff, Jimmy McGriff, and even The Meters and Jimmy Smith, with a touch of Bobbi Humphrey. The organ sounds very electronic and nearly synthy, and at times almost like an electric guitar!

The title of the record tells a tale all by itself: According to Foster, the title tune has two motifs, in contrast to typical jazz songs that have just one major theme, or "head." To make it more unique, he coins the term "freap," blending “freak” with his own playful twist. 

He tells it in an interview: 

“Alright, here we go. Think about a 20, 21 year old guy who wants to be a little different but I didn't want us to be a two-headed freak, so I just put a P on it. That's how that came about because I was always trying to think a little differently.”

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Of all the tracks on Two Headed Freap, 'Mystic Brew' is one of those tracks that just sticks with you. The organ melody is like a warm hug and the Groove hooks you from the first note. It's got that classic, almost vintage feel, a real timeless sound. Years later, A Tribe Called Quest finds it, and 'Electric Relaxation' happens-introducing Ronnie Foster to so many new ears, and people are still playing with it, reinterpreting it. My favorite cover is the Mark de Clive-Lowe's 'Mystic Brew'. He takes the original and adds this whole layer of electronic magic. It's like hearing the song in a dream, somehow both old and new. 💭​

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Gülben - 03/2025

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