Rich Goldstein's Soul Jazz Journey

Goldstein, a longtime faculty member at The Hartt School of Music, teams up with organist Yahn Frankel, vibraphonist Behn Gillece, and drummer Ben Bilello to breathe new life into well-known standards, creating a sound that harkens back to the golden era of Blue Note's Hammond B3 organ tradition. Into the Blue showcases Goldstein's for jazz guitar history, channeling influences from Wes Montgomery to Pat Martino.

The album kicks off with a shuffle version of The Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night," featuring Goldstein's Montgomery-inspired octave work. The group then slows things down with a tender reading of "Not a Tear," a brooding ballad by guitarist Rudy Stevenson, dedicated to Goldstein's late friend and collaborator, bassist Charles Flores.

Other highlights include a bossa nova spin on Stevie Wonder's "You and I" and a fresh take on Thelonious Monk's "I Mean You." The album also features a lone Goldstein original, "Altered State," a tribute to his guitar hero Pat Martino.

Goldstein's journey to jazz is as intriguing as his playing. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Connecticut, he initially played pop and rock before discovering jazz in his teens. A chance encounter with guitarist Randy Johnston at Hartford's 880 Club sparked his serious pursuit of jazz improvisation, leading him to study under Jackie McLean at The Hartt School.

Into the Blue is Goldstein's third release as a leader, following 2008's Wes Montgomery tribute Comin' from Montgomery and 2011's Effervescent, is available for pre-order now, and will be out everywhere September 27th, 2024.