Organ trios, the combination of organ, guitar and drums, have long been a popular means of expression in jazz, perhaps best exemplified by the master of the Hammond B3 Jimmy Smith. On Unfinished Business, guitarist Mike Clement makes good use of the format’s stylistic versatility as he teams up with like-minded musician’s organist Joe Ashlar and drummer Shannon Powell.

The album kicks off with a toe-tapping Clement original that lives up to its title, “Takin’ It Easy,” on which the leader, a New Orleans resident since 2007, offers some very tasteful guitar. Ashlar vigorously expands the theme with the always solid drums of Powell giving it all it requires.

The relaxed mood continues on another fine tune from Clement’s pen, “Love Again.” It moves luxuriously with a Latin tinge before the tempo while the attitude picks up on the next cut, “Soul Bop.” Clement starts flying with Ashlar comping behind him. Then it’s the organist’s turn to stunningly take over the flight controls while Powell remains cool as ever. The drummer has his opportunity to strut on one of just three covers, “After You’ve Gone.” He trades bars with Clement on a version of the classic that seems to celebrate rather than despair the departure. Powell gets some more “airtime” on the lovely “Emperor Cuzco,” adding a uniquely inventive solo.

The title Unfinished Business, Clement’s debut album, holds an unspoken promise that there might be more to come from this remarkable, swinging, grooving and soulful trio. That would be a good thing.