Whether it was frustration with his career with Blue Note having no monetary success or his escalating heroin addiction, Grant Green stepped away from recording around 1965. From its shoutout to Pittsburgh (when Green was calling Detroit home) to recording year to personnel, Iron City! remains a bit of a mystery. About the only thing that feels true is that Green cut the session some time in 1965 for some quick cash for his fix. It’s a choice organ trio record, even if its disputed as to whether that’s Big John Patton or Larry Young on the Hammond organ. Green revisits spiritual standards like “Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child” and “Go Down Moses” that he originally cut for Feelin’ The Spirit, making them feel bluesy and lean in that trio setting. He’s still in soul-jazz mode, Green’s singular tone stinging and sweet.

– Andy Beta