Organ Summit Supreme

Live in Newark

October 23, 2005

By Carla Lilien

It was a soulful Sunday afternoon in Newark’s An Organ Summit Supreme gathered in one of the vintage churches in the city on Washington Street. The gig was billed as a tribute to honor the great Hammond B-3 master Jimmy McGriff. Under the musical direction of guitar virtuoso Bob DeVos, the B-3 veterans brought to the stage what was reminiscent of the organ trios in the many clubs in Newark back in the day. With the addition of the bluesy sound of sax players Houston Person and David “Fathead” Newman, the music came alive again as it were years ago. Fans packed the house to relive the burning vibrations of the Key Club and Sparky J’s.

The first set began with the Sammy Cahn/Julie Styne composition “It’s You or No One.” This tune seems to be popular among jazz musicians; I suppose it is due to the swinging melody and constant changes. On stage were Pittsburgh’s own Gene Ludwig on B3, guitarist Vinnie Corrao, and no nonsense Don Williams on drums. Leading this outstanding quartet was the Texas tenor sound of the great Houston Person. Houston’s delivery was powerful with high energy. His horn resonated through the church like an early morning sermon.

The band proceeded with the beautiful melody “Meditation,” followed by the familiar “Time After Time.” From the first note you were guaranteed an afternoon of pure soul. The quartet harmoniously justified the core of these tunes with Groove Master Ludwig’s dynamic approach of defined chord changes. Gene possesses a vast knowledge of the music, and is a true scholar of his instrument. Corrao has a smooth and easy style that blends perfectly with the swinging rhythms of Williams’ steady drum work. Both had much experience traveling with the bands of Brother Jack McDuff and Groove Holmes. Currently, Gene (as well as Bob DeVos) record on the BluesLeaf label, produced by Jack Kreisberg.

WBGO’s Gary Walker hosted the show, and graciously brought to the stage the next group, which consisted of Philadelphia-based and Julliard-trained organ legend Trudy Pitts. Joining her was the diverse and sensitive guitar of Bob DeVos. The drums were thoroughly covered by the very capable rhythmic beat of Rudy Petschauer, also a past member of Jack McDuff’s organization. Lastly, the wonderful and ever so soulful David “Fathead” Newman was featured on tenor. Bob and Trudy worked side by side in the organ clubs of yesteryear. When Pat Martino left Trudy’s band, DeVos replaced him. The close and obviously tender relationship is exemplified in their stage presence, and throughout their musical exchange.

Trudy led the band by opening with the Oliver Nelson classic “Stolen Moments.” She put her own personal treatment on this magnificent melody. Her bass pedal work is extraordinary, and her style is magical. There was a total synchronicity between the musicians. The audience was awarded a spiritual blessing.

“Fathead” Newman still keeps on keepin’ on. His technique is constant and heartfelt. Through the years, he mastered the flute, and displays this on the Milt Jackson timepiece “Bags Groove,” where he takes a brilliant solo.

DeVos has so much to say, as his fingers glide effortlessly across the strings. He has a lush and sensual style that only he owns.

Petschauer is the perfect addition to this tight and succinct array of players. His innate sense of timing is superb. He swings hard and direct in his presentation.

The quartet concluded with Trudy’s personal and truly spiritual version of “Amazing Grace.” She sincerely made mention of devastation in New Orleans, following the hurricane. There was total silence. Let us pray…

The piece de resistance was the presence of the Master Jimmy McGriff on the bandstand. This musical afternoon was to honor the King of the Blues Organ. He played back to back with each B3 aficionado. Vinnie Corrao and Don Williams and Houston Person returned to the stage to join McGriff. Ludwig and Pitts played musical chairs, sharing the organ bench across from McGriff. Person blew hard and bold, giving definition to the existing sound. It was exhilarating to see Master Jimmy among his colleagues. He still possesses a spirit, which identifies him and keeps him close to everyone’s heart. The group took a simple eight bar blues and created a constant rhythm.

Anyone who has ever seen Dr. Lonnie Smith knows what unique personality he brings to the scene. His individuality is identifiable and his funky style is toe tapping and enveloping. I recall a night at the Village Vanguard, when the doctor disappeared from the organ bench in Lou Donaldson’s band. Moments later, he rose from beneath the organ. He has a bag of tricks, and the audience loves him.

Dr. Lonnie was joined on stage by “Fathead Newman,” Bob DeVos, and Rudy Petschauer once again, to conclude the show. The doctor has been awarded Organ Keyboardist of years 2003, 2004 and 2005. The set began with a “Fathead” Newman original entitled, “Cousin Esau.” This one chord funk was enhanced by the creative metered drum work of Petschauer. David took the opportunity to solo on this groove, followed by two brilliant solos by Bob and Lonnie.

The Ellington tune, “Just Squeeze Me,” has always been a favorite of astute blues musicians. The band decided to explore this blues in ballad mode. Bob and Lonnie did justice to the inner workings of this steady melody. The comedic medley of “Misty,” Stevie Wonder’s “Sunshine of My Life,” and a Jimmy Rushing shuffle was worth the price of admission. Innumerable antics took place throughout the trilogy which allowed the audience full participation.

DeVos took a solo on a magnificent piece written by Lonnie that brought tears to my eyes. His sensitivity and tenderness puts him in a category of his own.

The band concluded with the old standby “Willow Weep for Me,” and a funk tune of the Doctor’s. One is more familiar with the flowing subtlety of the prior, but this beautiful ballad was kicked up another notch to 3/4 time. The camaraderie between the personnel was obvious, and the music melted together like butter.

The Organ Summit Supreme was a gift for the people of Newark, as well as the loyal fans of this music. The city paid tribute to the great organist Jimmy McGriff. Newark should always be remembered for the music it produced. The city has a fine history of jazz. Many of the greats came out of the wonderful city. If you closed your eyes for just one moment, you were taken back to a time when this music poured out of the clubs, up and down Broad Street. It was a great day in Newark.