For those not in the know, saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Rob Dixon is set to release NAPTOWN SOUL, a new album on Strikezone Records that draws on the soul jazz traditions of Indianapolis’ Indiana Avenue with references to Wes Montgomery and Freddie Hubbard.

The project, part of what is described as a From the 317 series, brings together guitarist Dave Stryker (Stanley Turrentine, Jack McDuff), saxophonist Rob Dixon (Count Basie, Charlie Hunter), B3 organist Sam Fribush (Adam Deitch, Charlie Hunter), and drummer Richard Sleepy Floyd (Phonte & Nicolay, DJ Logic).

Long before Naptown became a widely used moniker for Indianapolis, the term emerged from the city’s Black musical community. During much of the 20th Century, Indiana Avenue served as the center of Black cultural life in Indianapolis.

Known for its rich jazz legacy, the Avenue scene produced internationally celebrated artists including J.J. Johnson, Freddie Hubbard, Wes Montgomery, and Slide Hampton. But the Avenue’s musical heritage extended far beyond jazz. It was also home to thriving blues, gospel, classical, funk, and soul traditions.

1. Sly Vibe
2. Bumpin’ on Sunset
3. Walking in Rhythm
4. Naptown Blues
5. I Want You
6. The Earth, The Sky
7. Fields and Valleys
8. Four One

Recorded at Azmyth Recording in Indianapolis, mixed and mastered at 416 Wabash Studio by Mitch Lohman, with Dave Stryker and Rob Dixon serving as producers, they open their new recording on the absolutely pumping Sly Vibe and then we are gifted the infectiously grooved Bumpin’ on Sunset, the soulful remunerations of Walking in Rhythm and the upbeat and joyful title cut Naptown Blues.

Along next is a decadently flourishing beauty within I Want You which is seamlessly in turn backed beautifully by the rhythmically jaunty The Earth, The Sky, the set rounding out on the fervently sculpted Fields and Valleys, coming to a close on the languishing beauty of the melodious Four One.