Isaac Hadden Organ Trio – The Glue (self-release, 2023)
Isaac Hadden is a dynamic guitarist, vocalist, and visionary bandleader from the Appalachian heartland of Southwest Virginia. He has found his groove in Asheville, North Carolina, a city known for its eclectic musical landscape, from bluegrass and world music to jam bands and progressive rock. With his Isaac Hadden Organ Trio (IHOT), Hadden crafts music that traverses the realms of funk, jazz, rock, blues, and R&B, redefining the boundaries of the modern organ trio format with a fresh, audacious flair.
The Glue, their debut release, is a bold statement; a masterclass in genre-bending fusion that dropped last year with a resounding impact. This album is a treasure trove of intricate grooves and infectious rhythms, where fusion, funk, and neo-soul intermingle in a heady mix. While the album does feature an array of guest musicians, the real magic happens when the core trio is left to their own devices. Hadden’s blistering guitar solos cut through with surgical precision, Bill Stevens’ organ work oozes with both sophistication and swagger, while Iajhi Hampden’s drum grooves are nothing short of phenomenal, locking everything into an irresistible pocket.
Though the album occasionally flirts with smooth jazz, courtesy of guest saxophonists, these moments, while polished, don’t quite match the fire of the trio’s core sound. IHOT is at its best when it’s pushing the envelope, navigating uncharted jazz-rock territories with a collective improvisational spirit that’s as daring as it is deliberate. Highlights include: “No Service,” “Dirty Lies,” and “The Glue.”
At the heart of IHOT’s sound is a deep commitment to collective musicianship. Hadden, Stevens, and Hampden don’t just play together; they converse, challenge, and elevate each other, creating a rich style that’s as complex as it is accessible. Their original compositions are labyrinthine yet inviting, while their reimaginations of classic tunes breathe new life into the familiar.
Musicians: Iajhi Hampden on drums and vocals; Isaac Hadden on guitar and vocals; and Bill Stevens on organ, keyboards, and vocals.
Buy The Glue.