Keyed Up will mark Bobby Broom's 14th album as a leader, adding to his previous recordings which had success on US jazz radio, such as "... Plays for Monk," his Deep Blue Organ Trio's "Wonderful," and his latest, "Soul Fingers." For this set, Broom and his quartet interpret the music of jazz pianist/composer luminaries Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, McCoy Tyner, Bud Powell, Horace Silver, Mulgrew Miller, James Williams, and Erroll Garner. With the addition of keyboard whiz, Justin Dillard, "Keyed Up" expands Broom's working trio, while adding to his highly regarded, airplay-friendly catalogue.
Guitarist Bobby Broom has been playing professionally for more than 20 years. He's worked with Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis, Art Blakey, Kenny Burrell, Charles Earland & Dr. John. This album recalls the urgent, smoking energy of George Benson circa 1966's "The Cookbook". Indeed, fire-breathing baritone sax ace Ronnie Cuber & Hammond B-3 marvel Dr. Lonnie Smith - key elements of that ferocious mid-'60s Benson quartet - are both aboard. Drummer Idris Muhammad brings along his own conversational, New Orleans flavored swing to elevate the proceedings.