Jazz Articles

Gene Ludwig: Soul Serenade

by David A. Orthmann
August 1, 2001

Aside from extended touring with Sonny Stitt, Arthur Prysock, as well as in a trio co-led with Pat Martino, Hammond B3 Organ master Gene Ludwig’s activities have primarily taken place within the Pittsburgh, Pa. area jazz scene. Although widespread recognition has eluded Ludwig, his command of the instrument and ability to make vital music while sustaining a wicked groove equals his better-known contemporaries.

Soul Serenade, his second recording for the Loose Leaf label, finds Ludwig in excellent form and generously ...

Gene Ludwig: Soul Serenade

by AAJ Staff
March 1, 2001

Gene Ludwig has remained a local Pittsburgh phenomenon for most of his life, despite some recording and/or touring stints with jazz notables like Sonny Stitt, Pat Martino and Arthur Prysock. Approximately ten years younger than the best of the B-3 masters like Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff and Jack McDuff, Ludwig is recognized by his fellow jazz organ musicians, as well as by the almost cultish enthuasiasts of the instrument's sound. And Ludwig's outgoing, soulful sound is entirely within the tradition ...

Gene Ludwig: Soul Serenade

by Dave Nathan
March 1, 2001

Gene Ludwig is four square in the traditional school of Hammond B3 organ players and with more than 40 years at the console, he helped to form the tradition. His playing is relaxed, laid back, drenched with a mix of blues and soul. This comes with the realization that the organ quartet can be one of the most pleasurable listening experiences in jazz. With its extremely large range of tone colors and timbres, the organ expresses the full range of ...