by Brian Weidy
On Friday night, Dr. Lonnie Smith brought his tight and funky trio to the Jazz Standard, part of a five-night run. Smith's career began in the early 60's; his fame began to skyrocket after being named the Top Organist of 1969 by Downbeat Magazine. Smith's current band, consisting of Jonathan Kreisberg on Guitar and Jamire Williams on Drums, provide an astounding backbone to his Hammond B3.
At first, it was just Kreisberg and Williams, who laid down a smooth jazz groove. But, by the middle of the song the Doctor had warmed up, layering ascending organ lines to accent the increasing tempo and tension in the guitar. Once Smith began his solo, the crowd looked to be in awe, his raw emotion becoming more and more prevalent as he moved into more and more exploratory territory.
The band then broke into an incredibly upbeat and lively version of "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music, which seamlessly fused the melody into a fast-paced jazz groove. After Kreisberg offered up one of the best guitar solos of the night, Williams took a solo before snaking back into the song. A slower blues song eventually chugged along into a high-octane organ-fueled jam.
The highlight of the night came with "Beehive," off Smith's most recent album, Spiral. The song began with an overdriven guitar playing staccato melodies, interspersed with funky grooves laid down by Smith. The song kept picking up more and more steam until a Mahavishnu Orchestra style fusion jam emerged from the 15 minute excursion.
"Pilgrimage," off 2009's release Rise Up!, closed out the five song, hour-long set with Smith's gospel-sounding organ laid over with Kresiberg's wailing guitar before Smith closed things out with a tear-jerking solo.
In my view, The Jazz Standard stands out as one of the top destinations to see live jazz in New York. Not only is the sound pristine and the music top-notch, the food – which somes from Danny Meyer's "Blue Smoke" immediately upstairs - is incredible.
Pilgrimage was recorded and released in 2009, but it appears on Rise Up!.
Pilgrimage was recorded and released in 2009, but it appears on Rise Up!.
Pilgrimage was recorded and released in 2009, but it appears on Rise Up!.
Pilgrimage was recorded and released in 2009, but it appears on Rise Up!.
Pilgrimage was recorded and released in 2009, but it appears on Rise Up!.
Pilgrimage was recorded and released in 2009, but it appears on Rise Up!.
great review Brian! RL
great review Brian! RL
great review Brian! RL
great review Brian! RL
great review Brian! RL
great review Brian! RL
NIce review.
Yes, Rise Up! is good. Too bad Mr. Rustici and Palmetto refuse to pay for photos
taken for that album.
NIce review.
Yes, Rise Up! is good. Too bad Mr. Rustici and Palmetto refuse to pay for photos
taken for that album.
NIce review.
Yes, Rise Up! is good. Too bad Mr. Rustici and Palmetto refuse to pay for photos
taken for that album.
NIce review.
Yes, Rise Up! is good. Too bad Mr. Rustici and Palmetto refuse to pay for photos
taken for that album.
NIce review.
Yes, Rise Up! is good. Too bad Mr. Rustici and Palmetto refuse to pay for photos
taken for that album.
NIce review.
Yes, Rise Up! is good. Too bad Mr. Rustici and Palmetto refuse to pay for photos
taken for that album.