The Real Deal by The Noah Peterson Soul-Tet delivers exactly what the title promises: an album rooted in authenticity, groove, and lived musical experience. Funded by an Individual Artist Grant from the City of San Antonio, this release stands as both a personal statement and a proud celebration of South Texas soul-jazz. Blending blues, gospel, classic jazz language, and rock-infused energy, The Real Deal is music that doesn’t overthink itself, it moves, it sings, and it connects.
At the heart of the album lies a deep sense of storytelling. Every track carries a narrative impulse, whether playful, romantic, reflective, or celebratory. This is not background jazz, it’s music with character, warmth, and a strong sense of place.
The Real Deal
Musically, The Real Deal is built around the organic chemistry between saxophone and organ, a pairing that immediately evokes the golden era of soul-jazz while avoiding nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. The album breathes with the spirit of the 1970s and 1980s, rich grooves, clear forms, expressive solos, yet it remains firmly grounded in the present through tight arrangements and a modern sense of flow.
There is something unmistakably rock-driven in the album’s DNA. Not rock as a genre, but rock as an attitude, direct, physical, unpretentious. The grooves stomp, the melodies stick, and the solos speak clearly rather than showing off. Jazz and rock coexist naturally here, sharing rhythmic confidence and emotional directness.
A major reason the album feels so cohesive is the presence of Ricky Hernandez on organ, whose playing provides both harmonic depth and rhythmic propulsion. Alongside him, Damian Rodriguez anchors the sound with bass lines that are equal parts groove and structure, while also shaping the album behind the scenes as co-producer and engineer. Together, the trio creates a sound that feels lived-in and honest, never forced.
Track-by-Track Highlights
The album opens with “Biscuits and Gravy,” a street-band-inspired track that sets the tone immediately. The saxophone introduces the main theme with confidence and warmth, establishing an uplifting, almost communal atmosphere. The organ solo here is a standout moment, gritty, soulful, and full of personality, pushing the track into a space that feels both celebratory and deeply rooted in tradition. There’s even a big-ensemble feeling in the writing, as if the tune could easily expand into a full jazz orchestra, yet it never loses its rock-and-roll edge.
“Ain’t No Way Hombre” continues the upbeat momentum with humor and charm. Light-hearted in spirit, the tune carries its narrative through rhythmic bounce and playful phrasing, reinforcing the album’s sense of joy and accessibility.
The emotional core of the record arrives with “Your Love Is Mine.” This instrumental ballad is where the saxophone truly becomes a voice. Sentimental without being sentimentalized, the melody unfolds with patience and sincerity. The absence of lyrics only amplifies its emotional clarity, the sax sings a love song that feels intimate, personal, and deeply felt. It stands out not just as one of the strongest tracks on the album, but as a clear artistic statement.
With “I’m Gonna Be There Tonight,” the album shifts back into groove-heavy territory. Seductive and late-night in mood, the track leans into dance-floor energy and urban soul, followed seamlessly by “Countdown City,” a proud musical salute to San Antonio. The sense of place here is crucial, this is regional identity expressed through rhythm and tone rather than words.
“Baby Don’t Cry” slows the pace again, drawing on gospel roots and spiritual warmth. While it functions as a ballad, it never breaks the album’s overall momentum. The subtle tribute to Amazing Grace at the end adds emotional depth and cultural resonance, connecting personal history with musical tradition.
The final stretch “Slow & Dirty,” “Swing and a Miss,” and “What’s Your Name” returns to the album’s central energy. “Slow & Dirty” carries a sense of road-worn reflection, while “Swing and a Miss” lives up to its name as a swinging burner, bursting with rhythmic drive. “What’s Your Name” closes the album on a playful note, capturing youthful hesitation and charm through buoyant melody and groove.
Noah Peterson and his Journey
For Noah Peterson, The Real Deal is clearly a long-awaited project. It represents persistence, belief, and the importance of collaboration. According to Noah himself: Meeting Ricky Hernandez proved to be the missing piece that allowed the album to finally come to life, while the support of the City of San Antonio made it possible to realize the project at a professional level.
More than anything, this album reflects Peterson’s understanding that soul-jazz is not about virtuosity alone, it’s about feel, story, and human connection. His writing and arranging keep the focus on clarity and groove, allowing the musicianship to serve the music rather than overshadow it.
You can follow Noah’s journy on his official website: noahpeterson.com
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