GregN

Interesting.. I once read an interview with Mick where the interviewer asked him how it felt to be the greatest rock and roll singer and Mick said that honor goes to Van Morrison. Paul Rodgers and Freddy Mercury are the tops for classic rock singers, imo.

cool. I must get one. Or should I say two?

I seriously dig Tom Jone's cover of "War". He is on the bill with T.O.P. this summer near my house. I'm getting tickets. I am just used to people making fun of me when I say I dig Tom Jones. Jimmy Alfredson says I'm not right. Some other favorite vocalists: Paul Rodgers Billy Holiday Freddy Mercury Ray Charles Alice Stuart Boz Skaggs Al Green Mel Torme Allison Kraus and Freddy Cunningham of the Michigan band RootDoctor Oh and for those of you who may not know, Organissimo's own Jim Alfredson sings his ass off. Seriously. However, until he stops teasing me about the Tom Jone's thing, he does not make the official list.

For me it's Tom Jones!!!! did i just say that out loud? <runs for cover>

John, Didn't Westone do a thing where you bought a bass and it came with both fretless and fretted necks. Or am I likely thinking of something else? Greg

But who were they playing, and what was the final score??? lol sniff..

That is the most amazing, fascinating sad story I've read in a long time. Saw it coming from way back .... My favorite scene from "A Mighty Wind" involves a "legendary" folk group performing in some rather large amusement park, and right in the middle of a number, a huge roller coaster rips thru in the immediate backdrop. I laugh, I cry, I laugh, a little more...

Well, she came to the wrong place... I thought that was better than the standard "big organ" joke. Maybe she was lookin' for me. Why, you owe her money? Jim, your jealousy is sooooo transparent. I've got the guitar, the hair, the Franklin Planner...chicks dig me. Get over it, already. geez.

I have read that it is not actually fur elise as we've have all been told and/or taught, rather, the latest consensus is that it is "For Elise". Beethoven's handwritting was just that bad, and he was writing it in English hence the misunderstanding. As far as the tune in question goes, sounds quite intriguing. I know someone, locally, who is quite the clarinet buff and will toss that question his way. Here it is again, it was written in English. ^

A few years back I am doing a blues gig, as front man, at a sports bar outside of Detroit. I've got the bass player from Rare Earth with me, and a sax player (an Motown session player from way back) out to hear me. There is talk of some other recording project, etc., so I am fired up. At one point during the night I bust into what I believe to be a fairly smokin' solo, not thinking a bit, feeling every bit of it, getting right to the climax of the solo, and bam! the room erupts with applause!!!!!!! An otherwise quiet and indifferent setting becomes my dream gig. I am at one with the Universe. All my hard work was finally paying off... oh.. wait... the 18 million freakin' screens in the joint are also echoing some applause... yeah, o.k... the Detroit Red Wings just scored a goal. I HATE sports bars.

Well, she came to the wrong place... I thought that was better than the standard "big organ" joke. Maybe she was lookin' for me.

What's it like being in the studio with Organissimo? In a word, Awesome! The new songs: Smokin'!!!!! The console: Muscle Shoals/Neves what more could you need?! The Monitor Speakers: Kid Rock and Eminem have had Glenn (the studio engineer on Organissimo's project) build them some. The Finger Sandwiches: uh, o.k. The Vibe: Very cool!! Their evolving style of multiple-nods is the furtherest thing from contrivance. They play and write in a way that transcends genre, yet pays homage to the jazz, funk, soul, and R&B greats of yesterday. (Just wait till you hear Jim's foot evoke the spirit of James Jamerson) In short, they just play and write this way. And it is beautiful. The new songs are heads above the last ones, AND the last CD was pretty darn good. In other words, to this seasoned music professional and lover of music, the musicality of Organissimo's present project is beyond anything I could have ever expected. Frankly, I am jealous as hell. To everyone who has contributed, Thank you very much. You too are now a part of it. And it ought to be mentioned that I won't see a penny of your contribution. It is to directly defray the studio costs. And at just under 1000.00 a day, you can probably imagine why it is so greatly appreciated. Organissimo is not just a bunch of working stiffs with families, and other serious obligations. They are also a very talented group of guys breathing life into the world of music. Your contribution gives on so many levels. It is deeply appreciated. Greg Nagy Organissimo Mgt P.S. Jim, I just received an email suggesting that we tier the categorizations. Evidently, there are some wealthy jazz lovers out there. Thus, I recommend that we add a Gold and Platinum benefactor categorization. 500.00 For Gold 1000.00 For Platinum So three levels of benefactors. Platinum: 1000 and up Gold: 500-999 Bronze: 100-499 On the CD jacket list in order of contribution. That is, and for example Platinum Benefactors: Joe Smith Steven Mazeratti Gold: Joe Mama Besser Bronze: Bette Davis and so on

After having been in the room, there is no doubt in my mind that Organissimo is going to knock their socks off. And Johnny Gist...., Oh man, this is not to be missed. Johnny is a wonderful young showman with a greazy/traditional (and yet fresh) sound, to die for!!! His star is also rising!!!! Greg

We are playing Baker's on a Saturday Night!!! Saturday, May 28th!!!! Baker's is the world's oldest jazz club. It is a great sounding room, with an incredible vibe. The staff is friendly, parking is secured, and the service is great. It has been home to many huge names in Jazz, and now has opened it's doors to us. What a great night this should prove to be. If you are in the Detroit area that weekend, pls stop out. Come up and say hi, and if I still got some money, I'll buy ya a drink. Greg Nagy Organissimo Mgt. Baker's Keyboard Lounge

Thanks Chris!! Good vibes and love are always welcome! I am trying to figure out if I can video tape part of the performance. At the very least, photos will be forthcoming!!

Many thanks!!! Come on people!!!! Let's show the love. I swear I just heard somebody yell: "show ME the money!!!" Greg

O.K. Chuck, be gentle. Suggest organissimo for the 10klf festival!! click above We found several new fans at last night's gig, and some highly suggested this upcoming midwestern festival. Now for the fun part: If we load their festival "suggest bands" mail box up with some short but sweetly composed emails, WE as a collective will likely be responsible for landing the fellas a gig! Moreover, when you see the nature of the gig and their solicitation, you shall see that they will have no problem with the petition concept. Normally, I wouldn't suggest such an action as it could be perceived as a nuisance. However, when you get to the contacts page, and see the email link, you will recognize that they are quite literally asking for suggestions. And given the huge nature of the event, they likely get thousands. Many Thanks! Greg Nagy Organissimo Mgt. P.S. just give a short one liner, like "Organissimo drives the young kids wild!!!"

When CAN we hear the new release? What's the street date? I believe late May, early June. Fellas?

Glad you asked. Yes, there is actually something quite big brewing for the entire eastern seaboard. Spoke with some "folks" in NY this afternoon, and Boston factored quite prominently in the conversation. One well connected gentleman, in particular, felt strongly that Organissimo offered freshness and marketability, unseen by many other organ groups. But of course, we already knew that!

jazzmsgr, That particular date wouldn't be doable. But, if you have any pull at that venue, put in a good word for us. We are sending more press info this week. Sounds like a great room. Would love to have the fellas play there. Even a weeknight would be cool. Thanks Again, Greg Nagy Organissimo Mgt.

Another related thread

Oh, we'll be just coming out of the studio a few days before that. And we have two gigs leading up to it, directly before. I'll be ready. Don't let Jim kid you. He's kickin' bass while he's typing!!! Seriously, this should be fun. Organissimo's style ought to set well as an opener for Joey D. As I believe organissimo brings a unique voice, and highly creative take, on the organ trio concept. AND the fellas have taken their playin' up another notch (or two). Just wait till you hear the new release. I just got a preview. In a word, Smokin'!!!!!!! Greg

Did a similiar thing when I was beginning to learn fingerstyle guitar. Great advice Jim. As an additional thought, complete independence isn't likely the goal. More like, smartly orchestrated and fairly sophisticated interdependence? I have an ex-girlfriend, from many years ago, who is now quite independent of me. (yeah, I'm a dork) At any rate, Randy (of the super group Organissimo) also does an incredible job of such things. And never at the expense of musicality. Often four percussionists in one, and four times the fun! Greg

Thanks Joe and to everyone who has suggested Organissimo at the Blue Note label site. It would be awesome to have them on Blue Note, without a doubt. The idea of suggesting however was mostly intended as a playful thing to do. I realize our work will entail a bit more than pushing a button online. On the other hand, one never knows... Tonym, thanks also for the lead. When the time comes I will surely contact you and beg for assistance. If you don't mind a little beggin'. Jazzmoose, I'm a lover not a fighter. O.K. neither is really my strong suit. Chuck, I understand your initial response. I imagine you probably have seen a lot of questionable solicitations, and irrationalities, here. I can relate, I live just minutes outside of Flint. But seriously, no hard feelings.

I'll be sending you an email shortly, if that is all right. Many thanks for the lead!! Greg