doodlinlounge podcast: Recent Episodes
Pete Fallico
Pianist Miki Yamanaka returns to my Doodlin' Lounge with a new CD and plenty of new original tunes. Miki has been in New York City now for eleven years (originally from Kobe, Japan) and has made a real name for herself in both the smaller clubs around the Village as well as the more high profile venues in and around the City. A recent tour of the Northwest has proved her drawing power to be unlimited. Along with her drummer husband, Jimmy Macbride, bassist Tyrone Allen and special guest, saxophonist, Mark Turner, she has raised her profile significantly and created an irrresistible image and personae in the jazz world, not to mention an energized sound that has incorporated her work on the piano and an assortment of keyboards. Miki writes tunes from her heart and always adds good-natured fun and humor into her performances. Ready and willing for anything, Miki Yamanaka is a force to be reckoned with. Enjoy her down-to-earth dialog and her authentic approach to this music.
This episode focuses-in on musician/club-owner, Simon Rowe. The newest jazz club in San Francisco (in existence now for eight months) - KEYS Jazz Bistro - was his brain-child since he moved to the Bay Area. As a professional musician who plays trumpet, piano and organ, Simon believes in the revitalization of jazz in the North Beach area of the city which has a deep history and maintains a world-wide reputation. With the help of his investors, Simon has successfully created a club where jazz can, once again, thrive. Utilizing the abundant, local talent, he has brought much attention to an area that has been somewhat dormant over the last several years.. Artists like Mary Stallings, Kim Nalley, Clairdee, Bruce Forman, Noel Jewkes and many, many more have helped to start the ball rolling and assure tourists from far and wide that San Francisco will, again, provide a venue worthy of global recognition.
Saxophonist, Rico Jones is destined for stardom. Upon hearing his tenor saxophone voice for the first time one quickly realizes the magnitude of musical gift that as been bestowed.. Rico is an amazing player and, at 25, has nowhere to go but up.. Currently living and playing in NYC, he began his musical career in Denver, CO where he honed his craft and developed not only his sound but a philosophical approach to music and it's relationship with the Native American experience, Jungian psychology and the fundamentals of art and culture. A well-spoken young man who may approach things differently than a lot of other, hardened New York musicians, Rico maintains his composure and takes life in the Big Apple as a challenge... maybe 'the ultimate challenge' anyone can face.
Rico is a force to be reckoned with and is working diligently to establish a posture and position in the nutty world of jazz. Do what you can to catch this young talent in person... and enjoy his music and words here in my Doodlin' Lounge.
Chris Hazelton has been at it for quite some time; i.e., carrying on the rich jazz organ tradition in Kansas City, MO. Schooled by one of the very best: Everette DeVan, Chris can be heard in KC jazz clubs either in trio, quartet or even septet fashion. His most recent recording ('After Dark' from Cellar Live Records) showcases Chris' as a band leader with exciting covers done with the patented Hammond organ groove. Chris has spent time in the Big Apple, playing in various clubs and making important connections...as well as developing a relationship with Cellar Live Records proprietor, Cory Weeds. Chris is a family man who has successfully dedicated his life to both worlds: music and home-life. Chris' discography is well worth exploration and his career as a top-shelf jazz organist continues to sore. Enjoy Chris Hazelton in this episode of my Doodlin' Lounge
Organist, Pianist and Vocalist, Clarence Palmer has been in the world of Jazz Organ since the mid sixties. He has recorded with saxophonist, Fats Theus and guitarists, George Benson and Grant Green and has also self-released several recordings in which he sings and accompanies himself at both the piano and the organ.. Admittedly, Clarence has built a bigger reputation as a singer in this fashion and has had steady work in venues that cater to that form of entertainment. Clarence's early musical training began in the church but his love for the Hammond organ outside the church stemmed from listening to the early recordings made by Jimmy Smith. A great appreciation for classical music and the study of the American Song Book have also contributed to his crowd-pleasing style and presentation. Clarence remains active in the music world with all its trends and transformations and has much more to say musically and literally... Enjoy one of the remaining giants from the post Jimmy Smith era.
Trumpeter and flugelhornist, Rachel Therrien, has been living in NYC since 2015 but manages to travel from her home base (Montreal/Quebec) back and forth and even take extended, musical journeys to Cuba, Columbia and Paris, France. She is a multifaceted musician with a wealth of multi-cultural ideas. Now on her sixth recording (each with varying rhythms and approaches to music) , Rachel is receiving more and more recognition as a composer and ambassador of jazz to several continents. Fronting three different bands in three different countries allows Rachel to reach into the music and expand its possibilities. In this episode, we hear from her most recent release, 'Mi Hogar' , and some of the anecdotes that went with its creation. Rachel's attitude toward this music is both refreshing and inspiring - the 'sky is the limit' for this rising star of jazz trumpet. Enjoy...
Guitarist Diego Figueiredo comes to us from Franca, Brazil. He turns 43 years old as we present this episode of my Doodlin' Lounge. His interest in music and musical instruments grew from a mandolin that his father bought for him when he was very young to numerous others that he would come in contact with. It was the guitar, however, that Diego settled on. He has been self-taught, to a degree, but received invaluable guidance from his mentor, Haroldo Garcia, a neighborhood doctor who also played incredible guitar. Haroldo Garcia started the ball rolling, so to speak, for young Diego who soon began to play in nearby venues and developed a notable buzz in and around Brazil as an up-and-coming sensation. Today Diego Figueiredo has traveled the world performing his amazing music to thousands of music lovers. He has compiled a sizable number of recordings that are available (many on Arbors Jazz Records) and continues to create new and exciting musical opportunities for himself and for those of us who follow his amazing career.
It's been written that Charles Ruggiero was born to be a drummer. Although his father, (the highly regarded jazz drummer, Vinnie Ruggiero), passed when Charles was only eight years old, the die had been cast. Charles remembers folks like Art Blakey and Philly Joe Jones, not only visiting the Ruggiero home but, hanging for days and weeks at a time. It was a subliminal, not to be denied, message to young Charles that 'sticks in hand' would be his destiny as well. Charles developed into a drummer whose tastes were widespread. Rock to Heavy Metal and beyond were all part of his passion for drumming. About the same time that the Rock bug bit Charles (age 15), the Jazz bug also began to develop. Soon the music lovers of Rochester, New York realized that "Hey, Vinnie's son can PLAY!" This extrapolated into a promising career in percussion and a life-long adventure for Charles Ruggiero. Los Angeles would be Charles' landing spot as he quickly took to the scene and established himself as a formidable drummer, composer and producer of the music that he loved. In this Doodlin' Lounge, Charles gives honest and thoughtful responses to modern-day drumming dynamics and practices... enjoy
Bobby Floyd describes himself as a pianist who happens to also play the organ. Well, in my estimation he is a master at both instruments and can hold his own (and more) with anyone in any musical situation. Coming from one of the most fertile jazz organ arenas in the United States - Columbus, Ohio - Bobby shares his badge of honor with folks like Hank Marr, Don Patterson, Bobby Pierce, Uncle Dave, Tony Monaco, Linda Dachtyl and many, many more. Learning music in the church, gave Bobby Floyd's approach authenticity and a deep-foundation. His piano playing is equally as impressive whether with the Count Basie Band or a regional symphonic orchestra. Always ready for a new experience, Bobby reveals refinement and flexibility in his playing and, I'm sure, is eager to get back in the recording studio to document his enthusiasm for the music world... Enjoy this candid conversation with a truly great musician.
Pianist Jeb Patton has established an admirable reputation as not only a fine jazz and classical pianist but a composer, author and educator at the university level. He comes to us from Maryland but has moved through several music school and programs elsewhere that have provided him with guidance and mentoring from Jazz Masters like Sir Roland Hanna and Jimmy Heath. Jeb's most recent recording ('Preludes' on Cellar Live Records) is somewhat of a tribute to the earlier work done by Sir Roland Hanna. Other releases on Cellar Live, Max Jazz and various labels have built a strong discography for Jeb which continues to move him forward in the music world. Enjoy this amazing (and modest) modern-day jazz and classical pianist...
Pianist/Vocalist Champian Fulton graces the stage of my fantasy Doodlin' Lounge in this episode, bringing with her tracks from several of her recordings and candid conversation about her career in music. As a child, she was encouraged by her parents to pursue music and was directly influenced by her father, Stephen Fulton, who played trumpet and flugelhorn and brought young Champian to many of his gigs. Friends of the family like Clark Terry and Joe Williams would also visit the Fulton home and listen to the young Champian sing her heart out for them.
An excellent pianist, Champian sings and swings in the tradition of folks like Dinah Washington and others who she admires often pays tribute to in her live performances. A true student of jazz music, Champian educates others on and off the bandstand and passes along the 'real stories' as she has heard them and read about them from her vast jazz book collection. Enjoy this visit with an amazing musician whose star just keeps on rising.
This will be volume 3 of my 'Ladies of Jazz Organ'. The number of women who have performed and recorded jazz organ music is more than you may think. In this third volume, I have tracks from Lady Byron (Evelyn Childress), Jennell Hawkins, Dr. Gayle Serdan,' Evgenia Karlafti, Kathryn Farmer, Dee Dee 'Foots' Ford and Sedatrious Brown. My library is continually growing, however, and many of the new stars on the Hammond organ (tone wheel and 'clonewheel') are surfacing. Let me know your favorites or those I have not yet highlighted. Enjoy these Ladies of Jazz Organ and anticipate more coming soon from my Doodlin' Lounge.
This will be volume 2 of my 'Ladies of Jazz Organ'. The number of women who have performed and recorded jazz organ music is more than you may think. In this second volume, I have tracks from Perri Lee, Bu Pleasant, Cherry Wainer, Gloria Coleman, Amina Claudine Myers, Roberta Picket, Vanessa Rodrigues, Jocelyn Michelle and Sarah McLawler. My library is continually growing, however, and many of the new stars on the Hammond organ (tone wheel and 'clonewheel') are surfacing. Let me know your favorites or those I have not yet highlighted. Enjoy these Ladies of Jazz Organ and anticipate more coming soon from my Doodlin' Lounge.
This might be one of many volumes of 'Ladies of Jazz Organ'. The number of women who have performed and recorded jazz organ music is more than you may think. In this first volume, I have tracks from Shirley Scott, Atsuko Hashimoto, Judy Blair, Adrienne Fenemor, Linda Dachtyl, Dottie Tim, Trudy Pitts, Rhoda Scott, Barbara Dennerlein, Midori Ono and Akiko Tsuruga. My library is continually growing, however, and many of the new stars on the Hammond organ (tone wheel and 'clonewheel') are surfacing. Let me know your favorites or those I have not yet highlighted. Enjoy these Ladies of Jazz Organ and anticipate more coming soon from my Doodlin' Lounge.
Baritone saxophonist, Jason Marshall, has been on the scene for 20 years but has only recently released an album under an established record label (Cellar Live). 'New Beginnings' is the name he has given it and for obvious reasons. Jason has been associated with numerous big bands and small ensembles since settling in New York City in 2003. Look for Jason in the credits of recordings by the Charles Mingus' Big Band, Roy Hargrove's big band, Mike LeDonne's recent Big Band recording and a 2013 recording headed by the late Dr. Lonnie Smith in which older Blue Note tunes were rejuvenated with fresh young talent. It's difficult to go anywhere in the Big Apple without seeing Jason's name or hearing his patented bari-sound. In this episode of my Doodlin' Lounge we talk with Jason about his new release and skim over what appears to be an amazing and bellowing career. I know you will enjoy Jason's remarkable base knowledge of this great music and his understanding of how he fits into the lineage/legacy of the baritone saxophone. Enjoy the gifted; the articulate, Jason Marshall.
The great organist, pianist and keyboardist, Brian Auger, returns to my Doodlin' Lounge for an informal chat and review of his incredible career. Father time certainly hasn't diminished Brian's musical energy nor his quest to grow artistically. After listening to Brian for just a few minutes, one senses the history of rock's fusion into jazz and vice versa. Brian - once called the Godfather of Acid Jazz - talks about his main goal in music which was to build a bridge spanning Rock, R & B and Jazz ... and using the Hammond organ and various keyboards to do this. Beginning as a jazz pianist, Brian played small clubs in and around London and got an initial lift from his work with Julie Driscoll and their release 'Open'. From there, it was the creation of his Oblivion Express that catapulted him into stardom... Always willing to talk about music and share his views, Brian Auger remains one of the most resourceful and approachable musical celebrities on the planet. Enjoy...
This episode brings Soul Bank Music proprietor, Greg Boraman, to my Doodlin' Lounge to discuss, and share with us, the restored music of Jack McDuff and his then quartet playing at a club called Parnell's in the Seattle area in 1982. Scott Hawthorne, who worked with this club recorded this music on cassette and has kept it in his collection of board tapes ever since. Once Greg heard about this recording, he researched the latest technology in audio engineering and found a way in which the inherent audio discrepancies of this taped music could be overcome. With the help of Claudio Passavanti who is a mastering genius, and Christoph Hartwig at iZotope, using A.I.-based audio technology, this team succeeded in bringing new life to this forty year old recording. I hoped you will enjoy both the expertise and hard work that went into the final product - some of which will be mixed into our conversation...
The loss of Joey DeFrancesco is monumental. His gift of music has been immeasurable and the void that he has left in the music industry may never be filled. Joey was a guest in my imaginary Doodlin' Lounge numerous times but I am uploading an episode of my Doodlin' Lounge from 2013 which I feel gives us a nice perspective on his life in music and the manner in which he lived. I hope you like...
Born in Trieste, Italy to Indian émigrés in 1971, Mahanthappa was brought up in Boulder, Colorado and gained proficiency playing everything from current pop to Dixieland. He went on to studies at North Texas, Berklee and DePaul University (as well as the Stanford Jazz Workshop) and came to settle in Chicago. Soon after moving to New York in 1997 he formed his own quartet featuring pianist Vijay Iyer. The band recorded an enduring sequence of albums, Black Water, Mother Tongue and Codebook, each highlighting Mahanthappa’s inventive methodologies and deeply personal approach to composition. He and Iyer also formed the duo Raw Materials.
Coming deeper into contact with the Carnatic music of his parents’ native southern India, Mahanthappa partnered in 2008 with fellow altoist Kadri Gopalnath and the Dakshina Ensemble for Kinsmen, garnering wide acclaim. Apti, the first outing by Mahanthappa’s Indo-Pak Coalition (with Pakistani-born Rez Abbasi on guitar and Dan Weiss on tabla), saw release the same year; Agrima followed nine years later and considerably expanded the trio’s sonic ambitions.
Mahanthappa has also worked with Jack DeJohnette, Mark Dresser, Danilo Pérez, Arturo O’Farrill’s Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, the collaborative trios MSG and Mauger, the co-led quintet Dual Identity with fellow altoist Steve Lehman, and another co-led quintet with fellow altoist and Chicago stalwart Bunky Green (Apex). His exploratory guitar-driven quartets on Samdhi and Gamak featured David Gilmore and Dave “Fuze” Fiuczynski, respectively. In 2015 he was commissioned by Ragamala Dance to create Song of the Jasmine for dancers and a hybrid jazz/South Indian ensemble. He was also commissioned by the PRISM Saxophone Quartet to compose a chamber piece, “I Will Not Apologize for My Tone Tonight,” which can be heard on the quartet’s 2015 double-disc release Heritage/Evolution, Volume 1.
(the following text taken from Telmo's newly created website)
Telmo Fernandez is a Spanish Guitarist, Composer and Arranger. With an eclectic style of his own his work goes from the classic guitar-organ-drums trio to larger ensembles. Based in the tradition of B.A.M and Latin music, he has written and arranged from Latin tunes to RnB as well as straight ahead Jazz, Funk, Hip Hop and Afro Cuban Music.
Deeply rooted in the sounds of the 70´s he adds a contemporary flavor of his own to the music. His influences go from legendary guitarists like Grant Green and Wes Montgomery to iconic artists such as Roy Ayers, Mongo Santamaría, Albert King, James Brown, Elio Revé or Pacho Alonso.
He has played and/or recorded with some of the best organ players on the scene such as Brian Charette, Pat Bianchi, Phil Wilkinson or Jared Gold. With a “Horn-like” approach on the guitar, he feels very comfortable playing trio with organ and drums due to the natural blending between these three instruments.
After a 5 year hiatus in his career, he comes back strongly to the scene with three new albums under his arm. The first one of these new three L.P´s is “El Maldecido”, a large ensemble featuring some of the most acclaimed cuban musicians in the Spanish scene (Yuvisney Aguilar, Jorge Vistel, Harold Rey, Yarel Hernandez). The album revisits the Salsa Brava and Afro-Cuban Music of the 70´s through eleven tracks composed and arranged by the guitarist. A deep and personal homage to this music gender and his Antillean Ancestors.
Besides “El Maldecido”, he will soon release two other L.P´s with the legendary vocalist Eve Cornelious, a “Straight Ahead” Jazz album with Brian Charette on Organ and Jason Brown on Drums and another very personal album with original compositions in a kind of 70´s RnB/Soul fashion. This album features some of the most in demand NYC musicians like Carmen Intorre J.R and Jason Brown on Drums, Anthony Wonsey on Fender Rhodes and Piano and Marco Panascia on Electric Bass.
We recently lost the marvelous Della Griffin and I thought it appropriate to re-visit an old Doodlin' Lounge episode with her from 2001. I hope you enjoy...
Kevin 'KeyBass' Wong is a talent to be reckoned with in today's keyboard world. As they say, 'He can play it all!'. Kevin has been associated with bands like the 'Jazz Mafia' and 'Collectivity' but is currently with the Huney Knuckles' who are on the verge of releasing a new CD and stirring up a lot of action in and around the Bay Area. With inspiration from 'Soulive', 'Snarky Puppy', 'Funky Knuckles' and 'Ghost Notes', Kevin forges ahead with his own sounds and ideas using a myriad of keyboards that include the Hammond organ. In conjunction with his expertise on keys, Kevin is deeply involved with 'the bottom end' of music. His bass lines and ideas come from his experience on bass instruments as well as his fascination with left-hand organ bass. His sound is unique and exciting and only the surface is scratched in this episode of my Doodlin' Lounge. I suspect we will be hearing much, much from this young man. Photo credit goes out to Leah Marie Studios
Drummer Allison Miller has certainly solidified a name for herself amongst the modern-day jazz percussionists. Her sound is real; it's personal and it's hers. Along with her own 'Boom Tic Boom' groups (and recordings that match each phase), she is an active member of the popular ARTIMAS ensemble and has toured extensively with this and other groups that reach for the sky, in terms of newer and less standardized sounds. She recently ran the 'Band Camp' experience, high in the hills of La Honda, California, and has continued to keep one foot in the world of jazz and drumming education while maintaining her high profile 'drummer for hire' status. Allie (as her friends call her) is a remarkable talent with volumes of experiential learning experience and personality to boot! Enjoy the music and conversation of a very special jazz drummer on the scene today.
Guitarist Nate Najar and vocalist Daniela Soledade are rejuvenating the sound of Brazilian music as it was introduced to American audiences in the early sixties. One of Nate's biggest heroes has been Charlie Byrd (he even owns and plays one of Charlie's guitars) and Daniela has the sweetest voice and vocal style reminiscent of the pioneer of the vocal forms. Based in souther Florida (St. Petersburg) this duo has made leaps and bounds in establishing their own sound and interpretation of the music that emanated from Brazil during that period of time. Much is to be learned from that era as Nate chronicles the progression and Daniel gives wonderful insight into the vocal delivery of this music. Enjoy!
Ronnie Foster is back! Not that he went anywhere because he's been on the scene for many decades - whether in Los Angeles or Las Vegas or various hits around the country. The fact that Don Was of Blue Note asked Ronnie to 'come back' to the label is notable, however... Ronnie's new CD, 'Reboot', is going to bring his name back into the mainstream... which is long over-due. Back on the Hammond organ is where Ronnie should be and his latest trio effort is going to take him to heights that he hasn't enjoyed in years. Guitarist Michael O'Neill (who plays guitar with George Benson, as well), enjoys star status already and fits with Ronnie like a glove. Then there's Ronnie's own son, Chris, who has dedicated himself to his dad's organ combo style and now swings with the best of them in this father/son connection. This episode of my Doodlin' Lounge features three tracks from the 'Reboot' recording (out this week) and also dips into a few tracks from years gone by. Enjoy the 'renovated' Ronnie Foster and his new organ trio. Thanks go to the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame for the photo shown here..
Pianist Caili O'Dorherty comes to us from the northwest (Portland, OR) but certainly now belongs to the world with respect to her music. Studying under masterful players like Danilo Perez, Caili used the time spent in academia to strengthen her chops and expand her awareness of American Classical Music. With a mere three decades on the planet, Caili has already won numerous awards; participated in some of the most prestigious jazz festivals and been selected by the US State Department to represent the current American jazz scene to the world. She composes her own music; records as both a band leader and sideperson and continues her humanitarian efforts both here and abroad - helping others in need. Truly a remarkable person and representative of what today's music is all about, Caili knows her stuff! Her responses are well conceived and comprehensive. Enjoy Caili O'Dorherty's conversation and music in this episode of my Doodlin' Lounge.
Pianist and Organist, Adam Shulman makes his first visit to my Doodlin' Lounge on the verge of his newest release (which was not out at the time of this interview nor available for this episode of my Doodlin' Lounge). He talks about his remarkable recovery from the recent two and half years of musical anxiety that we've all experienced and how he's bounced back with a steady gig in San Francisco and his continuation of teaching from the comfort of his home. Adam maintains his status as one of the 'first call' pianists in the Bay Area with his eclectic tastes and accommodating styles. In this visit, Adam discusses the ideas behind his writing and arranging and the many avenues available to a bi-coastal recording artist and performer in today's music world. Enjoy the talent and inventiveness of Adam Shulman.
Carey Frank is among the young and promising gate keepers of Jazz Organ. His musical gifts are obvious to even the casual jazz fans as he plays magnificently on all the keyboards and, for the purposes of this visit to my Doodlin Lounge, the Hammond organ with its Leslie tone cabinet. Hailing from Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Carey was fortunate to develop a close relationship with Dr. Lonnie Smith. It was Carey's father who first met the Dr. of Jazz Organ and brought him into the Frank family. The significance of such a musical and personal relationship is immeasurable. Today, Carey plays in several different ensembles and continually shows his devotion to, not only, the lineage of Jazz Organ but to it's application in today's trending music. Carey carries his own Hammond B3 organ and Leslie speakers with him from gig to gig and is, undoubtedly, thought to be a renaissance man of his generation, willing to mix the old with the new... and then beyond! Enjoy Carey's gift and follow his rapidly developing career.
Rhoda Scott is truly the Matriarch of Jazz Organ. Ever since the late sixties she has been based in Paris, France but she still manages to return to her family in Newark, New Jersey from time to time to perform for her many devoted State-side fans. Currently Rhoda has expanded her 'Lady Quartet' into an Octet that features two drummers: Anne Paceo and Julie Saury; two alto saxophonists: Lisa Cat-Berro and Geraldine Laurent; trumpeter, Airelle Besson; tenor saxophonist, Sophie Alour and baritone saxophonist, Celine Bonacina. Tracks from their latest CD are featured in this episode of my DL. There's no one like Rhoda Scott - she is an international treasure in the music world. Enjoy...
Organist Caesar Frazier re-joins me in my Doodlin' Lounge to talk about his life in music and his current CD on the market: 'Tenacity - As We Speak'. Caesar has much to say about the music industry and his strategies today of dealing with it. He created his own label (Track Merchant) and presents solid rationale for others to follow suit. He brings his wisdom and advice to an otherwise confusing state of affairs. Caesar also brings new players into his recording world. Saxophonist Eric Alexander, guitarist, Peter Bernstein and drummer Vince Ector all join him on the 'Tenacity' project... giving new perspective and enriched sound. Recording again at the famous Van Gelder Studios, Caesar awakens a spirit that many thought was long gone - Caesar's dialog, together with tracks from various recordings, make for an exciting episode of my DL... enjoy
Pianist, Keyboard wizard and Organist Adam Klipple has brought his multiple-keyboard magic westward after 20 years in NYC. Relocating often means making new contacts and establishing a network in the pursuit of gigs. This visit to my Doodlin' Lounge, hopefully, will bring Adam some worthwhile attention.
Adam's credentials are impressive and the list of musicians with whom he has performed and recorded continues to grow. His music is progressive and sometimes aggressive, making him a sought-after player and an important component to any ensemble. Many may know Adam because of his catchy band name: 'Drive-By Leslie.' Band members have included David Phelps, Gregory Jones, Willard Dyson, Brad Shepik, Chris Tarry, Keith Carlock and Seamus Blake. Today we find Adam with yet another band - this time led by guitarist Will Bernard. Enjoy the conversation and music of Adam Klipple in my Doodlin' Lounge as a prelude to their up-coming Bay Area tour.
Organist Lou Bennett would have been ninety-six this Wednesday May 18th and although he has been gone since 1997, Lou remains one of the most important organists in the lineage of Jazz Organ. Born in Philadelphia and partially raised in Baltimore, Lou chose a very different path than did Jimmy Smith. Lou took the opportunity to move to Paris in 1959 and resume his development of jazz organ under the watchful eyes and ears of numerous European musicians... many of whom followed his example and began playing jazz on the Hammond organ. Lou brought the American Jazz Organ sound to Europe and it flourished in the hands and hearts of great players like Rhoda Scott, Eddy Louiss and others. One of the most significant distinctions between Lou Bennett and his contemporary, Jimmy Smith, was Lou's command of the foot pedals and the amazing development of foot pedal solos which accompanied his right-hand soloing efforts. Lou was also interested in eliciting as many 'different' sounds as he could from his modified Hammond organ that he called his 'Bennett Machine'. Seldom returning to the states to play or record, Lou established himself in France and Spain as a true pioneer in the world of Jazz Organ.
Pianist, Organist, Actor, Poet and Theater Producer Freddie Roach left us far too early in 1980. He was described as a multifaceted artist who was capable of remarkable work in any of his chosen disciplines. He recorded several albums on the Blue Note label which exemplify his genius within the jazz organ genre and his uniqueness in style and its departure from the 'Jimmy Smith' model that was omnipresent. From his home in Newark, New Jersey (equipped with its own theater stage), Freddie attracted the upper echelon of current jazz artists (Joe Henderson, Hank Mobley, Eddie Gladden, etc) to join him in his creative efforts. In this episode of my Doodlin' Lounge, we hear from fellow musicians who knew and worked with Freddie (Connie Lester, Vinnie Corrao, Kenny Burrell, Clarence Johnston, etc.). Many of these voices are now silenced but the lasting effects of their words serve to shine light on the life of an artist who few people have written about. I hope you enjoy this short but sweet trip into the life of an unsung hero of mine (and yours as well): Freddie Roach
Janice Maxie Reid is one of our Bay Area treasures. She is continually called for R & B gigs in and around San Francisco and Oakland but her musical tastes are actually much deeper and wider. She definitely has 'the church' in her arsenal and her singing voice (coupled with her piano/keyboard skills), puts her in a most advantageous position. On stage, Janice is a firecracker! She swings with the best of them and has a running bass line that lays down the law! Her recordings are sparse, at this point, but the range of music that is within her would tantalize any record producer or A & R person into bringing her in for extensive studio work. In this episode of my Doodlin' Lounge, I was fortunate to have some magnificent recordings from a set that Janice did recently at the San Ramon Library. Thanks go to producer, Barbara Natale and sound engineer, Adrian Wong, for making these tracks available to me. Janice is a pure delight on and off stage. Her beauty and savoir-faire is incomparable... Enjoy
Linda Hopkins was truly an American treasure and the legacy that she left us with has tremendous historical, theatrical and musical significance. She came from the church but she also was a pioneer in bridging the gap between church and secular musics. Linda sang the blues, Rhythm and Blues, Jazz, show tunes and on and on and on. She was in a class of her own in many respects. In this episode of my Doodlin' Lounge, she explains how she began in show business with the help of (none of then) Mahalia Jackson) Her career has been worthy of movies and accolades from the beginning to the end. The conversation you will hear in this DL took place when Linda was 87 - after a brief period of recuperation from a stroke. Linda went on to live another six years. I am proud of this documentation and I sincerely hope you enjoy the dialog and music from one of our great vocalists in American Classical Music.
Samara Joy returns to my Doodlin' Lounge after a whirlwind entrance into the world of vocal jazz. In her first visit (November of 2020) we found her finalizing her academics at Julliard and now that she has toured Europe and Russia and established herself as a rising star on a fast track to stardom, she stops to take a breather and share some of her perspective. Samara has one recording already under her belt and is now preparing for another studio experience with fresh ideas. She has much to say about these last eighteen months as she reveals a rapidly maturing vocal style and an appreciative attitude toward family and fans.
Ernie Andrews has been one of the 'truly original' jazz vocalists this country has produced. His sound; his delivery and his convincing stage presence have thrilled audiences for decades. Although, he has been a dominant figure in the LA jazz scene, he has been appreciated and loved throughout the world. Ernie left us on February 21, 2022 at the age of 94 but not without a tremendous legacy. This episode of my Doodlin' Lounge has Ernie talking to me very informally over the phone (just before his 83rd birthday). We laughed and schemed as we reminisced...and, although, I'm not completely aware of all of Ernie's activities over the years, I managed to spark his interest with a few starter phrases. The music you'll hear in this show doesn't even scratch the surface of Ernie's amazing discography but I hope you'll appreciate what was said and the tracks that I chose for this hour. Thanks for listening and rest-in-peace Ernie Andrews.
Drummer Leonard King, Jr. has done it all. Today, the self-proclaimed Doctor and Professor boasts dozens and dozens of self-released recordings (Uuquipleu Records) that document every step of his 60-plus years as a jazz drummer and vocalist. Whether it's from his teenage years with his Soul Messengers or his on-going organ combo, Oopapada, Leonard delivers the goods. For years he was aligned with organist and keyboard wizard, Lyman Woodard. The resulting Lyman Woodard Organization Orchestra is now fronted by Dr. Prof. Leonard King, Jr. and surfaces periodically in the Detroit area for unforgettable concerts. International exposure was heightened when Leonard brought James Carter to the forefront with the James Carter Organ Trio. Today, Leonard frequently joins forces with the organist from that group: Gerard Gibbs. The Doctor Professor has much to say (and sing about) in this episode and much to offer in terms of musical diversity. Enjoy a truly unique man and musician...
The name, 'Mike Boone', is being seen more and more these days in the jazz literature and examples of this fine bassist's work are being heard more and more on jazz radio stations across the country. Mike has stepped out with two releases of his own (which you will hear excerpts from in this episode) and he has also added his voice to other folks' recordings; i.e., 'A Song of Hope' from saxophonist, Eric Wyatt and 'Joyride' from drummer, Tom Cohen, among others. The added attraction to Mike's resurgence is his (now 15 year old) son, Mekhi Boone who plays drums like a seasoned veteran. Mike is, by no means, a newcomer. He has a brilliant career going for him in the Philadelphia area which promises to climb in popularity and demand. In this episode of my Doodlin' Lounge, Mike talks to us in between relevant tracks about his career; his life and his philosophies relative to jazz and the current social situations we face.
Barbara Dennerlein returns to my Doodlin' Longe with updates and anecdotes from her extraordinary career in the jazz organ and pipe organ worlds. Tracks from her discography are mixed in with her conversation. Barbara continues to be one of the more important contributors to the renaissance of jazz organ that began in the mid-eighties. Her innovative use of midi-ed bass has set her sound and style apart from others. She continues to be motivated and devoted to the Hammond organ and the huge pipe organs that she is asked to play and perform on throughout Europe. Her spirit sores over others, constantly reminding us of the relevance of jazz organ and the global impact that it has made. Enjoy the magnificence of Barbara Dennerlein in my Doodlin' Lounge.
Saxophonist J D Allen is an adventurous musician who has impressed many with his authentic sound and adherence to those musical values most dear to him. He plays his tenor saxophone with a prowess that no one can deny. It's a long and pure tone that emanates from his bell. Since he has emerged as a contemporary player with an enlightened social awareness/attitude and the social knowledge to back it up, I asked him to speak candidly about race relations and whatever else he felt was important in this Black History month of February. Several tracks from his discography are mixed in. I hope you enjoy...
Roosevelt 'Baby Face' Willette left us in 1971 but he also left a lot of mystery about his life and the few recordings that he was on. Considered by many to be one of the pioneers of jazz organ, Baby Face had his own jazz organ sound that was enriched by his gospel roots. In this episode of my Doodlin' Lounge we dip into the archives when I had the opportunity to speak with both Baby Face's widow (Jo Gibson) and his only son, Steven 'Baby Face' Willette. I hope you enjoy this encore presentation.
Joe Lovano has been in the upper echelon of the jazz saxophone world for decades. His roots are in Cleveland where his musical education began at home with his father, Tony 'Big T' Lovano (who Joe talks about - from his heart - in this DL episode). His words are encouraging and stimulating as he gives us a valuable perspective on what it's like attaining fame and respect in the world of jazz. Joe talks about his first recording effort while with Lonnie Smith and George Benson in 1974 and he takes us through the thematic development of many of his Blue Note recordings there after. Joe is a for-real guy who passes along the real story of jazz to his students. Enjoy the candor and counsel of this great player, Joe Lovano, here in my Doodlin' Lounge.
Vocalist, Gregory Porter has been on the music scene for over a decade now continuing to widen his fan-base across the globe. Originally from the Sacramento area, Gregory grew up further south in Bakersfield where he played ball and helped his mother, Ruth, with her humanitarian activities. He eventually made his way to Brooklyn, New York where he sang and cooked in a pub where his brother also worked until he secured a regular singing gig and grabbed a foothold in the jazz world. From the outset of his career, fans found Gregory's voice enchanting and his original approach to singing almost mesmerizing. Today, with the Blue Note label, he is releasing some of the most significant vocals on the market. Gregory is a lyricist; a poet; and a song stylist who has graced the stages of Broadway and the kitchens of his own 'Porter House' cooking program. His wisdom and love for humanity is present in each of his songs. Enjoy one of our truly unique performers in today's jazz world.
Tony returns to my Doodlin' Lounge with news of a great fund-raising event for St. Jude's Hospital and valuable lessons for students of the Hammond organ (and it'a clones) who want to improve their pedal-work. Tony has established himself as one of (if not THE) most important instructional music teachers to be found on the world wide web. His students have come from all over the world for instruction in playing the organ. Tony treats all who seek his tutelage and mentorship with respect and support. This can be evident in this episode as Tony skillfully describes the practice of creating a sold bass line on the organ. Tony has carved out a viable career as an online instructor while many others have sat at home and waited for the phone to ring. Enjoy conversation with Tony and listen again to choice selections from his discography.
Ewald Pfeiler - better known as T.C. Pfeiler - is enjoying a long and illustrious career in the music world. As the first internationally known jazz organist from Austria, T. C. brings pride to his country in numerous ways. He has performed and recorded music all over the world - some blending the rich musical culture of his native Austria with that of the American jazz standards; composed thousands of tunes which have been used in any number of musical applications; and captured the attention of an otherwise esoteric sub-culture known simply as 'Jazz Organ'. He has represented the famous Hammond organ and Leslie speaker companies and has endorsed many of their newest models. Jazz is T.C.'s preferred form of music and, as fortune would have it, he has a history of tutelage and friendship with the Godfather of the Jazz Organ Combo, himself: Wild Bill Davis. Together with his partner and bandmate, Ulrike Muehlbachler, T. C. continues to forge ahead teaching the younger students about jazz and encouraging up-and-coming players like Raphael Wressnig to push forward and pick up the banner once held by those who preceded him. In this episode, I talk with T.C. about, not only his music, but his life before and after music: his love for classic and vintage cars; and his exploits into the record business. Please enjoy this special Holiday episode of my Doodlin' Lounge.
Vanessa Rodrigues began her musical career in Montreal but eventually found her way to Brazil where she felt a deeper camaraderie with like-minded musicians. Although competent with multiple musical instruments, Vanessa gravitated and clung to the fundamentals of jazz organ. Her Hammond organ playing drew the attention of such masters as Rhoda Scott and Dr. Lonnie Smith. Today, it's the blending of traditional Brazilian blues and folk music with jazz and funk that gives Vanessa's Hammond organ pieces such uniqueness and notoriety ... In this Doodlin' Lounge episode, she discusses her activities in Rio De Janeiro and how they have been modified or repressed since the pandemic period. Vanessa's courage in the world music scene should be inspirational to all and her jazz organ chops irresistible to fans of this music around the world... enjoy