Larry Coryell - Dr Lonnie Smith Trio

LARRY CORYELL - DR LONNIE SMITH TRIO
Saturday, February 13, 2010 - 8:00 PM

Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center
3100 Ray Ferrero, Jr Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314
(Map and Directions)

Tickets: 877.311.SHOW (Toll-free) or purchase HERE

LARRY CORYELL-DR LONNIE SMITH TRIO

In the 14-year history of this jazz series, these two gentlemen are the most highly requested artists for repeat performance. Having them perform together, something they have only recently begun to do is a particular treat. Organist Dr. Lonnie Smith, of course, has a long history of collaboration with guitarist George Benson and uses guitar in his band’s typical configuration and has a great following among South Florida jazz fans. Legendary guitarist Larry Coryell can play anything with anyone, especially where swing is concerned. South Florida JAZZ audiences saw that in his four previous appearances for the organization.

Larry Coryell deserves a special place in the jazz history books. He brought a revolutionary sensibility to electric guitar playing in the 1960s; a hard-edged, cutting tone and phrasing that owed as much to blues, rock, and even country as it did to modern post-bop. A true eclectic blessed with impeccable technique, Larry Coryell always has sought to be himself. It is true that this has taken him all over the musical map, from Ravel to Rimsky-Korsakov to rock; not reflecting an identity crisis but an uninhibited musical appetite appropriate to his era. He has been comfortable in almost every style from decibel-heavy electric work to the most delicate, soothing, intricate lines on acoustic guitar. In between there is finger-spraining, fret board-busting, pyrotechnic virtuosity. This description only serves to introduce a complex and brilliant player, who has been at the vanguard of jazz innovation for four decades.

Dr Lonnie Smith, for many critics and fans, is the reigning king of the Hammond B3 organ. Some might say that this self-schooled innovator actually has been that for 40 years, ever since saxophonist Lou Donaldson and guitarist George Benson discovered him in his Buffalo, New York home clubs. Deeply immersed in gospel music as a child, Lonnie sang and played trumpet first before falling in love with the organ, using the records of Bill Doggett and Jimmy Smith as guideposts. His playing is absolutely blues-drenched and soulful with extraordinary time feel. Lonnie mainly digs deep into the pocket, but also can float over the time when appropriate. “The Turbanator” (JazzTimes magazine described him as a riddle wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a turban!) is one of the few mature jazz artists whose career has improved in recent years. A fixture in Fort Lauderdale for many years, he now lives in New York much of the time while keeping a busy national and international touring schedule. He has been named the "Organ Keyboardist of the Year" in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, and 2009 by the Jazz Journalists Association.

The trio is rounded out by drummer Marty Morell, well known for his historically important role in the Bill Evans Trio with bassist Eddie Gomez in the late 1960s and into the mid-70s, the longest stint by any drummer with the trio. Marty is a superb, classically trained percussionist, as comfortable in classical music and Broadway productions, as in jazz. He also has been deeply involved as an educator for much of his career. Now a Florida resident, we should be seeing more of Marty.

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Funding for South Florida JAZZ is provided in part by a grant from the Broward County Board of County
Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Division

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