In the 1960s, Blue Note’s roster of organists boasted a formidable line-up of leading Hammond B3 practitioners like Jimmy Smith, Big John Patton, Baby Face Willette, and Larry Young each of whom was honing their own distinctive styles on the instrument. The Bronx born Freddie Roach was first introduced to Blue Note listeners on Ike Quebec’s albums Heavy Soul and It Might As Well Be Spring and began his own run of leader dates with his excellent 1962 debut Down To Earth. The deeply soulful six-song set was a showcase of his nuanced, bluesy sound and his knack for writing thoroughly enjoyable original tunes like “De Bug” and “Althea Soon” that were ideal vehicles for this swinging four-piece band featuring Percy France on tenor saxophone, Kenny Burrell on guitar, and Clarence Johnston on drums.

This Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition is stereo, all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.