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Organissimo at Baker's Keyboard Lounge

GregN

By GregN
in Live Shows & Festivals

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connoisseur series500 Newbie

connoisseur series500

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It was great!

First time ever for me at Baker's. I didn't anticipate having to wait at the bar because the music lounge was full. In a way it was a good thing since it allowed others to see the band.

After waiting an hour, we were able to squeeze into a tight area, which, nevertheless offered a good view of the band. They were terrific. As usual, they were particularly good at playing their own material. Towards the end when the crowd had emptied out Jim kept getting requests for old standards. They clearly had to improvise a set of "Moanin'" and "Moonlight in Vermont." Randy did a pretty good imitatation of Blakey on "Moanin'" but no trademark drum roll, Randy!

I thought it was funny, because on one standard request, Jim started out with the melody then left it up to Joe for the first solo! A little hesitation, then Joe bravely plunged in.

Baker's is said to be the oldest Jazz club in the country. I found it very different from the Ann Arbor clubs. The audience seems to appreciate the music much more in Detroit. There were a few people in the front who were clearly getting into the songs. A couple of them left after the second session. Randy was hamming it up for them.

The last couple of tunes, "Clap Your Hands," and "Pumpkin Pie" were awesome! The band really let go. Randy really drove the trio last night. He seemed to have an energy level and enthusiasm that was like Blakey. He also gave a wonderful session on the harmonica. Great evening, Randy!

Joe had a nice solo on "Clap Yo Hands," (I think that was the tune.) Had some trouble hearing your normally crystal-clear notes last night, Joe. Was it the amp?

Jim laid down some heavy greaze. Some nice runs had me gasping, and grinning at my friends.

Great job all around. I'm not sure if I'll return to Baker's though. It may be a venerable club, but the seating arrangements leave a lot to be desired.

I must admit that I really liked the crowd though. I felt I was in the presence of some longtime lovers of jazz. That old guy who kept making requests was a lot of fun.

Great job on "Summertime" guys. I never heard you play that before. That's nice. You should record that one. I've heard you play the Jobim tune before.

Didn't hear too many ballads, but this club is not the place for them. The audience noise level is too great. I had a hard time hearing some of Joe's subtle guitar work.

It was a lot of fun!

I promised Randy I'd check in with Rusty's to see if they're still doing jazz.

Was it Randy who told me that the grand piano at their back in Baker's was brought in for Art Tatum? The history of the place is amazing.

Soul Stream Newbie

Soul Stream

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Nothing scarier imho than a bunch of old-timers who really know the music shouting requests! In an organ trio, the organist HAS to know the song for real since there's no bassist to fall back on, no bullshitting there so it's really extra tough in that situation.

But sounds like a GREAT PACKED GIG! Packing Baker's Keyboard Lounge on a Saturday night would be a career highlight. :D Congrats guys. :tup

GregN Newbie

GregN

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Nothing scarier imho than a bunch of old-timers who really know the music shouting requests!  In an organ trio, the organist HAS to know the song for real since there's no bassist to fall back on, no bullshitting there so it's really extra tough in that situation.

But sounds like a GREAT PACKED GIG!  Packing Baker's Keyboard Lounge on a Saturday night would be a career highlight. :D  Congrats guys. :tup

You got that right, soul stream. Kickin' bass, nailing the chords, recalling the melody (and no real books on stage!!). Hell, I am amazed when Jimmy pulls off songs at our R&B gigs (bass lines, chords AND singing from distant memory).

I couldn't make it last night, as I was feeling under the weather. But big things are just around the corner for organissimo and our new label Big O Records.

Number 28 this week on the college jazz charts and climbing!! :excited:

Our other project, Root Doctor, expects a release in November!!!

It is great to share such music to a wider audience.

g

connoisseur series500 Newbie

connoisseur series500

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nice review, Paul! Sorry I missed it. What was it about the seating in Baker's that wasn't so great? Was it really crowded?

It was so crowded that my friends and I were forced to stand up at the bar (all seats there taken as well) and wait for people to leave after the first set. Others were waiting as well. Then a few couples would leave and we were left out (because we were three.) Newly arrived couples replaced a few departing ones. We finally got in,, but everything is tight and we had to sit behind a bunch of people. I didn't have a chance to talk to Chuck very much.

But I must say that the audience was terrific and they certainly beat any Ann Arbor audiences. These people appreciate some good greaze, I'll tell you! I really liked the people in the audience.

Hey Jim, looks like you sold a bunch of cds. How many did you sell?

Jim Alfredson Enthusiast

Jim Alfredson

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We sold a lot of CDs, both old a new. I know we sold at least 20 copies of the new one and probably a dozen of the old. I don't know how many old discs I had, but we left with none.

It was a great night all around. I wish you could've met my wife, Paul, but she had to leave before you were able to be seated.

I gotta start going over some organ standards! :) We don't usually play those for the rooms we play, but at a place like Baker's, people know the history of the music. I did my best with what was being thrown at me! :)

Thanks Paul, Chuck, Ann, and Carla for coming out! We really appreciate it!

connoisseur series500 Newbie

connoisseur series500

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Oh yes,

Somebody kept yelling out Jimmy Smith, "Walk on the Wild side."

(Thank god you didn't play it...) ^_^ I don't particularly care for that tune.

You guys could have satisfied everyone with a version of Jimmy Smith's "Mojo."

I've heard you play that one really well before; and most everyone would recognize it.

Heck, I saw on the door credits that Jimmy Smith and Richard Groove Holmes had played at the club. I did not see Lonnie Smith's or Jack McDuff's name there.

Jim Alfredson Enthusiast

Jim Alfredson

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I saw Dr. Lonnie Smith there last May. He's played there a lot. I'm sure McDuff went through there, too.

As for "Walk On The Wild Side", that's one I'm going to have to learn. I basically know it, just have to refresh. If we're playing Detroit or just "organ" rooms, people are going to request that.

Good idea on "Mojo". That would've been a good choice to calm the masses.

Soul Stream Newbie

Soul Stream

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I saw Dr. Lonnie Smith there last May.  He's played there a lot.  I'm sure McDuff went through there, too. 

As for "Walk On The Wild Side", that's one I'm going to have to learn.  I basically know it, just have to refresh.  If we're playing Detroit or just "organ" rooms, people are going to request that.

Good idea on "Mojo".  That would've been a good choice to calm the masses.

That's great you're playing for a REAL soul-jazz/jazz audience. Baker's Lounge in Detroit. I think that may be the last bastion of the real shit for real people. Those folks have been brought up on the masters...JOS, McDuff, Grant Green, Holmes, Dr. Lonnie...I mean those folks KNOW. So holding down a weekend organ gig there to a packed crowd of die-hards and selling out of CDs, that's no small feat. You're in the heaviest of company there. Those who aren't musicians may not recognize the gravity of that situation. But to be playing to the same audience that just saw Dr. Lonnie Smith a few months ago and getting a nod of approval. THAT'S milestone stuff. So, AGAIN, congrats to the whole group and especially Jim. :tup:party:

GregN Newbie

GregN

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Just handle it like Lonnie...

"uh that's a good request...uhhh no, we ain't doing it, but here is one like it"

:)

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