With Organik, Deidre Cartwright has brought together an excellent line up and material that allows for some truly inspired playing.
Blow the Fuse Records BTF2616CD
Deirdre Cartwright (guitar); Pete Whittaker (Hammond organ); Gary Hammond (percussion)
Recorded February 17 & 18 2026
This is guitarist Deirdre Cartwiright’s first album in fifteen years, and it is a good one. A recording that Cartwright says she made for herself. There is no hint of self-indulgence with all three musicians playing for each other and the music and possibly giving birth to a brand new (and hopefully permanent) band in the process.
Eschewing pedals and other such effects, Deirdre wanted to plug her guitar directly into her Fender amplifier and play. With two ideal accomplices in Pete Whittaker on Hammond organ and percussionist Gary Hammond, Cartwright takes a look at her own musical journey with a nod to guitarists who have had an influence on her.
The material on the album also reflects Cartwright’s own eclectic musical tastes featuring standards, three original compositions, and two songs from the world of popular music. The trio bring a rather unique take on proceedings by being a guitar/organ trio that doesn’t sound like one in so much as instead of drums, Gary Hammond’s percussion brings a lightness of texture to the ensemble that brings forth many subtle shades and dynamics as well as being infectiously propulsive when required.
Familiar standards in the set come in the shape of a swinging ‘On Green Dolphine Street’ with excellent solos from both guitar and organ and a wonderful dedication to Emily Remler on’ Softly As In A Morning Sunrise’ with another standout solo from Dierdre. One must also mention a fine reading of Luiz Bonifa’s ‘The Gentle Rain that closes the album.
Staying with the familiar, the trio investigate the Lennon/McCartney classic ‘Eleanor Rigby’ with an acknowledgement to Wes Montgomery and a delightful and surprising take on Mark Knopfler’s ‘Sultans of Swing’, but it perhaps three original compositions that bode well for future endeavours for the trio.
Cartwright’s compositions have obviously been conceived and arranged for the group, and the quality of the tunes is evident from first hearing. The wonderfully titled ‘Mango Bango’ has an infectious melody and Latin groove in a flowing composition that brings forth fine solos from Cartwright and Hammond, as does ‘Espresso Martini’, but is the 6/8 feel of ‘One For Polly’ that is perhaps the standout piece. An excellent composition in which the guitarist delivers a solo of pure class and elegance.
With Organik, Deidre Cartwright has brought together an excellent line up and material that allows for some truly inspired playing. Hopefully there will be opportunities for the group to perform live and Cartwright to continue writing for it. Highly recommended.
