Gene Ludwig "Live In Las Vegas"

[Soul Stream]

I guess I've alway been on the fence about Gene Ludwig. Love and respect his playing, but it always seemed to me maybe a little too derivitive of Jimmy Smith, Don Patterson, McDuff to call Gene one of the "greats"....kind of all their styles thrown together is his style. Nothing wrong with that, that ain't easy. Great player.

However, I picked up "Live In Las Vegas," his new release and was really blown away especially by one track..."Well, You Needn't". That track has changed my thinking of Gene Ludwig and am currently putting him in the "greats" catagory as of now!

Can't wait to get his duo release with Cecil Brooks III that's out now as well. Gene is definately in the top 3 organists playing today imho. Lonnie Smith, Joey D. and Gene.

[DMP]

One of the best things about living in Pittsburgh is that we can catch Ludwig frequently, often with Jimmy Ponder and Roger Humphries. Pretty strong group!!

[Jim Alfredson]

It's kind of hard to say Gene is derivative, since he was a part of the original scene. I've always enjoyed his playing and would love to meet the man and pick his brain one of these days.

Thanks for the heads-up. Since I'm no longer buying re-issues, this looks like the perfect purchase! This and "Hands-On" should make a nice pair... despite the horrible blurb on Amazon:

"Gene Ludwig has been called one of the country’s most passionate exponents of the jazz organ; in fact, Jazziz called him "the finest mainstream jazz organ player alive." Hands On, the follow-up to his critically acclaimed The Groove ORGANization, teams him up with some of Pittsburgh’s finest jazz musicians. This CD confirms the fact that Gene Ludwig does indeed keep his "hands on" his organ at all times!"

[Soul Stream]

It's kind of hard to say Gene is derivative, since he was a part of the original scene. I've always enjoyed his playing and would love to meet the man and pick his brain one of these days.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not worthy to shine GL's shoes. That said, he was around in the heyday but if you've ever heard Ludwig's "Organ Out Loud" from that time, he was a complete JOS imitator, even down to song choice. I mean, as much as I love "Live In Las Vegas" he's still doing "The Preacher" on it. What set's this session apart for me is his versions of "Portait Of Jennie" and "Well You Needn't". He's really come into his own and is clearly a master, bar none.

Anyway, blah blah blah...just check it out. It's good and makes me want to see him live. Also would love to sit down with him and pick his brain as he's got all the tricks of the trade down.

Edited March 3, 2006 by Soul Stream

[sheldonm]

It's kind of hard to say Gene is derivative, since he was a part of the original scene. I've always enjoyed his playing and would love to meet the man and pick his brain one of these days.

Thanks for the heads-up. Since I'm no longer buying re-issues, this looks like the perfect purchase! This and "Hands-On" should make a nice pair... despite the horrible blurb on Amazon:

"Gene Ludwig has been called one of the country’s most passionate exponents of the jazz organ; in fact, Jazziz called him "the finest mainstream jazz organ player alive." Hands On, the follow-up to his critically acclaimed The Groove ORGANization, teams him up with some of Pittsburgh’s finest jazz musicians. This CD confirms the fact that Gene Ludwig does indeed keep his "hands on" his organ at all times!"

...as well we all should!!!

[Soul Stream]

As long as you don't play with your neighbor's. Keep your hands to yourself!

[The Magnificent Goldberg]

I pre-ordered this - and I'm still waiting for it! Will be ordering the album with CBIII soon. Is this only the second entire album ever made by an organist and drummer duo?

I don't think "Organ out loud" is a complete take-off of JOS. Gene plays a LOT more straightforwardly than Jimmy does; and a lot LOUDER. I became an immediate fan when I got this, donkeys years ago. It's a pity he hasn't recorded more. And also a pity that two of his early LPs were put out on his own labels and you can't get 'em.

Having said that, Gene is a great player, without being one of THE greats.

MG

Edited March 3, 2006 by The Magnificent Goldberg

[Lazaro Vega]

I really like that Cecil Brooks III album with Ludwig; especially (for Ludwig) "Serenade In Blue" and, for Brooks, the old Sonny Payne feature with Basie, "Cute."

[The Magnificent Goldberg]

I really like that Cecil Brooks III album with Ludwig; especially (for Ludwig) "Serenade In Blue" and, for Brooks, the old Sonny Payne feature with Basie, "Cute."

Grrrr Grrrr - still waiting. Grrrr. Now ordered the CBIII as well.

MG