For Heavens Sake

Wes Montgomery's long-lasting and tremendous influence on jazz musicians includes the seasoned Scottish guitarist, Jim Mullen. Like Montgomery, Mullen is self-taught, plays with his thumb, and is also an excellent improviser. The now 78-year-old Glasgow native still plays with boundless energy and has developed a unique and recognizable style: “I'm actually left-handed, but I play right-handed. The pick often slipped out of my fingers, so I ended up just playing with my thumb. Just like Wes, who has always been one of my favorites - along with Jim Hall and George Benson.” Jim Mullen got his first big break with Pete Brown & Piblokto - and later as a member of Brian Auger's Oblivion Express and The Average White Band. In the mid-70s, he met tenor saxophonist Dick Morrissey, and together they achieved critical acclaim for the jazz-funk band Morrissey-Mullen. Throughout his long and impressive career, Mullen has also played and recorded with artists such as Mose Allison, Tam White, Mike Carr, Jimmy Witherspoon, Claire Martin, Georgie Fame, and many others. Fortunately, Jim has been recording regularly for 25 years and still exudes a beautiful creative energy. Danish drummer Kristian Leth, known for his nononsense swinging playing, assembled a quartet that included Danish tenor saxophonist Jan Harbeck and Chicago organist (and pianist) Ben Paterson and organized a tour and recording session. Harbek is one of the most sought-after saxophonists in Denmark and greatly inspired by Duke Ellington's legendary tenor player, Paul Gonsalves. Paterson is a musician who combines impressively effortless technique, heartfelt soulfulness, and an infectious sense of swing. Whether playing soft ballads or hard-hitting blues-inspired organ jazz, his sensitive approach sets him apart from the heavyhanded organists of the ‘50s and ‘60s. Jim and Ben hadn't previously met, but Kristian felt they would be a good match - and he couldn’t have been more right. All the musicians fit together perfectly and are comfortable with blues, ballads, and bebop. Jim curated a perfect program for this album, where collaboration with top-notch musicians clearly shows why Mullen continues to be in high demand after a rich and historic career. If For Heavens Sake is your introduction to Jim Mullen's music, get ready to be generously rewarded!