DCist – April 8, 2010

“I’m a huge fan of soul jazz, and of the Hammond B3 sound in particular,” said saxophonist/vocalist Will Scruggs, referring to the type of electric organ around which this music is often based. “The music was accessible to a lot of people, both the jazz die-hards and folks who weren’t jazz fans.”

Scruggs, who is based out of Atlanta, is the leader of C.C. Booker III, a band that revels in the soul jazz vibe, and who will be performing this Friday and Saturday at the venerable Twins Jazz. The group is in town supporting its self-titled debut album, which follows an EP released in 2007.

The heart of CCB3’s sound lies with Scruggs’ saxophone and the organ stylings of Nate Shaw, who used to be a co-leader of the group, but has since relinquished his role due to writing and recording commitments for television soundtracks. The album’s initial tunes were recorded with musicians based out of New York City, with whom Shaw often worked. Once Scruggs took over the group, he had trouble funding the project, and was forced to shelve it for nearly a year. Scruggs eventually completed the album with musicians based out of Atlanta, including Wes Funderburk on trombone and Ken Watters on trumpet. Scruggs, Funderburk, and Watters often play together in Atlanta’s session scene, and have recorded with the likes of Natalie Cole, Cee-Lo (Gnarls Barkley), and multi-platinum producers Dallas Austin (TLC) and Jermaine Dupri (Destiny’s Child, Mariah Carey).

The band at Twins will include Scruggs and Shaw, along with guitarist Tony Romano from the New York band, and drummer Marlon Patton from Atlanta. Charles Phaneuf, a local tenor saxophonist with whom Scruggs grew up in North Carolina will also make a guest appearance.

“This is the first time we’ve mixed personnel and it could lead to some nice new twists in the music,” said Scruggs.

This weekend is a soft launch. While CDs will be available at live shows, the album is not yet available online or in stores, as Scruggs is in ongoing discussions with record labels for a distribution deal. Out of the album’s 11 tracks, only one is an original composition. Scruggs wrote “TOLA” about a particularly memorable gig in Charleston, SC.

“There was something magical about that night, in the steamy heat of mid-summer,” explained Scruggs. “It was late at night and I was inspired to write something exotic.”

The remainder of the songs are covers, with original arrangements, of the artists from which the band derives its name: King Curtis, Ray Charles, and Booker T. & the MGs. Standout tracks include “Shoppin’ for Clothes” by The Coasters, with whom Curtis played, and the MGs’ “Booker’s Notion.” Along with these deeper cuts are more recognizable grooves like Booker T.’s “Hip Hug Her” and Ray Charles’ “Leave My Woman Alone.” With all of this great material, there will be no shortage of toe-tapping and head-bobbing at Twins.

“Twins is known for great jazz, often quite cutting edge and even avant-garde stuff,” Scruggs said. “But this band is just about some down home fun.”

C.C. Booker III will perform 9 and 11 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz on Friday, April 9, and Saturday, April 10, 2010. Tickets are $17 + $12 minimum/surcharge.