Home » Jazz Articles » Dr. Lonnie Smith
Jazz Articles about Dr. Lonnie Smith
Dr. Lonnie Smith: Too Damn Hot!
by Michael P. Gladstone
The formidable doctor of organ jazz has been recording under his own name for almost forty years. His title is not an academic or medical recognition but rather a nod from his fellow musicians that acknowledge his ability to “doctor" the music. This is The Turbanator's first release under the Palmetto banner and he gets off to a positive start.
The future of the soul jazz organ trio remains in good hands at a time when many of ...
Continue ReadingDr. Lonnie Smith: Too Damn Hot!
by Joel Roberts
I'm not sure where his doctorate or trademark turban come from, but there's no doubting Dr. Lonnie Smith's credentials when it comes to scorching soul jazz organ. From his landmark '60s turns with George Benson and Lou Donaldson (with whom he still appears regularly) to last year's surprising album of Beck tunes, Smith has proven himself a master at the Hammond organ and an artist always worth watching. On his current release, the aptly titled Too Damn Hot! ...
Continue ReadingDr. Lonnie Smith: Too Damn Hot!
by Jim Santella
Dr. Lonnie Smith and Peter Bernstein deliver a fiery package that features soulful grooves and heartfelt blues. Each makes use of a highly effective technical mastery to interpret with fire.Typically, guitarist Bernstein begins a piece with flowing melody and gentle persuasion. Organist Smith follows with a feature that builds from subtle embers to a raging conflagration. The seamless character of this cohesive team provides a winning formula.“Someday My Prince Will Come" begins with all instrumental voices ...
Continue ReadingDr. Lonnie Smith: Too Damn Hot!
by AAJ Staff
The general popularity of the Hammond organ may rise and fall (and given the fads of the day, its peaks and valleys can be remarkably extreme), Dr. Lonnie Smith stands by it like an old friend. Or sits in front of it, as the case may be if you're lucky. Since his early days in the '60s with George Benson, Smith's gone on to make plenty of records with big stars and otherwise, and he's always brought a sense of ...
Continue ReadingDr. Lonnie Smith: Too Damn Hot!
by John Kelman
Some times heat can be an intense thing that engulfs everything instantaneously, other times it can be a slow burn that gradually consumes. With a more relaxed attitude and behind-the-beat approach, organist Dr. Lonnie Smith may understand both concepts but leans to the slow burn on Too Damn Hot! , his début recording for Palmetto Records. Surprisingly, this is only the 15th release under his own name since he emerged in the mid-'60s, although he has appeared on over 80 ...
Continue ReadingDr. Lonnie Smith: The Doctor is In...
by Terrell Kent Holmes
Dr. Lonnie Smith, a pillar in the jazz pantheon, is one of the most influential organists to ever man the helm of the Hammond B-3, an instrument he refers to paradoxically as both “the monster" and “the love of my life". His dynamic playing and prolific composing is featured on over 70 recordings, and he has played with such luminaries as George Benson, David “Fathead" Newman and Lou Donaldson. His latest CD, Boogaloo to Beck, seamlessly translates the music of ...
Continue ReadingDr. Lonnie Smith: Boogaloo To Beck
by Jim Santella
On this tribute, the songs of Beck serve as a starting point from which Dr. Lonnie Smith and his ensemble launch soulful interpretations. The groove runs deep, and Smith’s animated motions can have you boogaloo-ing at your seat in minutes. The organist’s spontaneous tirades turn loose the reins for a wild ride.
His partner for this session, Doug Munro, arranged the music and adds a smooth, laid-back guitar accompaniment. Munro’s heated solo interludes contribute a sparkle to ...
Continue Reading
