The Perceptions are an ensemble of some of the UK’s finest musicians displaying their affection for the 60’s soul-jazz era. Among the members are Gary Crockett on bass, John Wilma on sax and the dynamic Snowboy on percussion who also serves as the band leader. When you reflect on that era you can’t ignore the presence of the Hammond B-3 Organ and the role it played in the music. Sam Gambarini’s organ playing evokes memories of Richard “Groove” Holmes and Jack McDuff and takes the music to another level. The band comes out swinging hard on “Right Or Wrong”, a funky tune that finds John Wilma out front on Tenor with a sound that is rich and provides plenty of depth. “Nick’s Knack” is another funky number that features the crisp guitar playing of Leigh Gracie. John Wilma and Sam Gambarini also take turns strutting their stuff on this neck snapping, finger popping track. “Running The Risk” is a mid-tempo groover that delivers funk so thick you need a knife to cut through it. For a minute I thought I was listening to the JB’s in the middle of one of their jam sessions. The Perceptions aren’t fooling around here. They swing hard and often and sound right at home making soulful funky music. If you dug the sounds of Jack McDuff, Stanley Turrentine and the countless other artists that were laying down the groove then record is definitely for you.
