The third album from "Niacin," "Deep" features bassist Billy Sheehan, organist John Novello, and drummer Dennis Chambers dishing out more of that great jazz-flavored rock that marked their earlier albums. This time around there's a bit more of the rock and roll influence in the mix, highlighted by the oddly faithful instrumental cover of Van Halen's "Mean Streets." Although it's a bit strange to hear the tune without Eddie Van Halen's snarling guitar licks, Novello's Hammond B-3 organ does a good job in approximating the swagger that marks the original.

That instrument's trademark warm buzz is definitely the most distinctive feature of "Niacin's" sound. With almost no electric guitar present on the album, Novello's organ shares the lead with Sheehan's hyperkinetic bass stylings. Add to that mix Chambers' usual solid work (he's my favorite drummer, but I'll spare you the superlatives), and you've got a trio of superb musicians laying out a nicely varied platter of songs.

Some of the tracks on "Deep" are more laid back, leaning toward a more jazz vein than rock. In "Best Laid Plans," Chambers and Sheehan create a deceptively complex rhythm while Novello opens on the piano before switching to a subdued, but very lush lead sound. Every once in a while, Sheehan even goes off into a funk-like mode, as is the case with "Klunkified," and the aforementioned cover of "Mean Streets."

At its best, however, "Deep" scores with jazz- and progressive-tinged rock (shades of ELP throughout the disc), with the emphasis definitely on the latter part. "Blue Mondo" takes a while to get going, what with its slow building, nearly one minute long intro. Once it finds the stride though, it's all attitude, with Sheehan laying out a wide, aggressive groove for Novello to wail over. Halfway through, they switch roles with Novello settling into the repetitive groove while Sheehan delivers what amounts to a bass solo. It's one of my favorite songs on the disc, along with "Things Ain't Like They Used to Be," the only song on "Deep" to feature vocals, courtesy of former Deep Purple singer Glenn Hughes. Steve Lukather (Toto) also lends a guitar to the emotional blues-drenched lament, dragging the listener deep into the protagonist's torment.

It would have been a perfect ending to a really good album, but American listeners (for a change!) get a bonus track called "Bluesion." In case you were wondering, that track does just fine as a solid album closer.