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Ed Alstrom—This Idea of Humanity—Haywire

Ed was born in Ridgewood, New Jersey and currently
resides in Montville, New Jersey. From mastering guitar

and drums to working in R & D for Casio electronics he
also has Bachelor’s degree in classical organ. He has

worked with the likes of; Chuck Berry, Hubert Sumlin,
Darlene Love and Ronnie Spector. In 2004 he became

‘The New York Yankees’ organist. On this, his second
album, he takes lead vocals and plays nearly all other

instruments.

‘Put You First’, is a jaunty piano, Hammond organ and choir gospel with vocal echoes

of Ray Charles and Van Morrison.

‘All I’m Gonna Do’, is a martial, stomping blues with splendidly weaving, harmonica

sounding organ work.

‘Humans’, Ed hails the wonder of all humanity, in this enticing rolling blues, except

for humans, that is. ‘Nothing Good to Say’, an urging, keyboard harmonica shuffle,
here Ed’s father advises him to keep bad thoughts to himself.

‘Bridesmaid’, a doleful grooving blues, on being second best. ‘Party Planner’, is a
punchy, upbeat piercing Hammond soul groover.

‘Understanding’ a splendid piano and brush, slow burner on bafflement. ‘Blues Keep
Coming Back’, this piano and brushes otherworldly slow burner proves that the

blues comforts, like a faithful dog. ‘Go Ahead’, an enticing, jaunty vamping piano
urges the thoughtless to speak their minds.

‘Inquiring Minds’, Jazzy, African rhythms underpin, tales of woe and division from
the top down.

Slow burner: ‘The Way Back’, eerie slide from Jimmy Vivino, haunting bass and
rolling piano on mentally falling through the cracks.

‘Got to Stop’, an enticingly driving, Ramsey Lewis piano feel: on downward spiralling
addictions.

‘So Hard’, a tribute to the manual worker: an enticing stomping, rocking metallic
percussion is matched with needle sharp, Hammond organ.

‘Worry’, disturbing, ethereal backing vocals inhabit a progressive jazz piano, on the
deadly man-made problems of the world today.

Highly recommended!

Brian Harman