The venerable master of the B-3 organ gets right to business on this concise 10-track collection, with the majority of the all-instrumental songs clocking in under three minutes. Recorded by Ike Stubblefield’s core trio (New Mastersounds’ Eddie Roberts on guitar and Dirty Dozen Brass Band’s Terence Higgins on drums), it’s a welcome opportunity to put the spotlight on Stubblefield, who built his reputation backing everyone from Al Green to Jerry Garcia. Most of the “songs” resulted from improvised jams—the track names literally came after many of them were recorded (“Rolling Over Nola” and “Whatever It Is”
are highlights)—making for a listen that’s as loose in its vibe as it is tight in its short structure. Consider it jam for the ADD generation. Fortunately—despite the abbreviated tracks—a consistent flow and Stubblefield’s always-smooth touch makes Righteous! an album that stays fresh and lively, even when left on repeat for multiple consecutive listens.