organissimo does Chicago again!!

[GregN]

Hot House

Wed. Nov 30th!

Great Venue

Edited November 10, 2005 by GregN

[Chuck Nessa]

FWIW, it's Hot House (or HotHouse), not "The Hot House".

[GregN]

FWIW, it's Hot House (or HotHouse), not "The Hot House".

←

Yes, you are correct. THE Hot House is a world class venue, at any rate. I often refer to you as The Chuck Nessa, fwiw.

g

p.s. As always I appreciate your friendly and well thought out replies and assistance in such matters.

[Chuck Nessa]

I feel Marguerite has worked long and hard to build this wonderful place and want the name mentioned correctly.

She has done an amazing job.

Good luck on the gig. As you might know I'm a big supporter of The Organissimo.

[GregN]

I feel Marguerite has worked long and hard to build this wonderful place and want the name mentioned correctly.

She has done an amazing job.

Good luck on the gig. As you might know I'm a big supporter of The Organissimo.

←

It is The organissimo with a small 'o'. Geez, Chuck.

Jim has worked hard and long to make that 'o' small.

In all seriousness, I meant it as as send up, and with a long 'e'. As in The(one and only). As you might have noticed the link is and has been correct (well at least closer to correct). I've edited the title, however, as your point is well taken. For those who may not read the actual post, and see "Hot House" as the link, well..., I don't want any confusion.

Many thanks,

g

Edited November 10, 2005 by GregN

[JSngry]

Will the band be covering any Van Morrison tunes? I've been a fan of his ever since he was with The Them.

[GregN]

Will the band be covering any Van Morrison tunes? I've been a fan of his ever since he was with The Them.

←

The Who?

[JSngry]

I bet Randy dug Keith Moon once upon a time.

[GregN]

I bet Randy dug Keith Moon once upon a time.

←

I believe I hear Keith Moon and Mitch Mitchell in Randy now and again. And I mean it as the sincerest of compliments. Randy has a lot of fire, and a bit of Rock-n-Roll soul.

[sal]

I have a potential business trip scheduled that week!

It may fall through though. If I'm in town, I will be there.

[Jim Alfredson]

Heads-up because this is coming up this Wednesday, November 30th!!! We hope our Chicago friends can make it out! We just got really nice write-ups in the Chicago Reader by Neil Tesser and Chicago Jazz Magazine by Paul Abella as follows:

ORGANISSIMO This sleek organ trio has only been around for a few years--and keyboardist Jim Alfredson and guitarist Joe Gloss have only been able to vote for a few more. They met in 1997 in the jazz program at Michigan State University, and in the time they've worked together--they co-led a few bands before this one--they've developed a terrific division of labor that puts the organ in charge. Gloss provides chewy chords and measured melodies as a foil to Alfredson's blistering, extroverted style; running with the current fashion that weds mainstream jazz and jam-band soul, Alfredson plays just recklessly enough, committing tiny acts of arson that keep things hot but don't quite bring the house down around his ears. Veteran Michigan drummer Randy Marsh, who's been on the scene nearly 40 years, plays musical camp counselor to his twentysomething bandmates--on the group's new This Is the Place (Big O), he sometimes leads with raw power but more often supports the solos with his turn-on-a-dime responses. 8:30 PM, HotHouse, 31 E. Balbo, 312-362-9707, $12. --Neil Tesser

THIS IS THE PLACE - Chicago Jazz Magazine

Published November 2005

This is the Place is the second album from Lansing, MI based organissimo. It's a standard organ trio format of organ, guitar and drums, but what they're willing to do with it is hardly standard fare.

It starts off on an interesting note. While this band is more than willing to play funk like any organ trio should, it's willing to do it quietly, sneakily getting feet to start tapping instead of hitting you over the head with one chord vamps meant strictly for the dance floor. It's also willing to switch gears fairly regularly, keeping the listener engaged with dynamic shifts, subtle tempo changes and interesting harmonic ideas thrown into the stew as well.

What that all amounts to is an organ trio that refuses to play by the rules. While the influences are all worn right on the sleeve, with Jimmy Smith's wails, Don Patterson's comping and Jack McDuff's penchant for funk coming through loud and clear, they're mixed up enough to keep the customer coming back for more.

This is the Place rewards subsequent listens with tight originals, smart choices in cover material and even an excellent harmonica solo by drummer Randy Marsh on a tribute to the late Ray Charles, Brother Ray.

organissimo is starting to make inroads in Chicago, having just played Martyr's and they're coming back to the HotHouse in November. Sitting somewhere inbetween the rollicking and sweaty swing of Jimmy Smith and the bare-bones funk of Medeski Martin and Wood, these guys have a little something to offer all fans of organ jazz. This is the Place is where it's at.

-- Paul Abella

[Chuck Nessa]

Way to go Paulie!

[Ron S]

Jim, be sure those are added to the press kits--at least the ones I get.

[Big Deal]

Man! What a writeup! Makes me want to attend Wednesday show. Knock em dead guys!

[randissimo]

Man! What a writeup! Makes me want to attend Wednesday show. Knock em dead guys!

Will we see you there?

[Big Deal]

I don't know Randy, do you guys still need help with the lifting and hauling? I'll expect union rates of course.

[Joe G]

So, any Chicago members coming out tomorrow? -_-

[GregN]

knock 'em dead fellas!!

[Larry Kart]

Hope to be there but am writing some liner notes on a tight deadline. I could screw up there (or succeed but leave my head in a frazzle), but I'm hoping the Gods of musical pleasure will smile down on me.

[Jim Alfredson]

Larry, it would be great to see you! I hope you can make it!

[Jim Alfredson]

8 minutes until we hit the stage. If you're in Chicago, GET YOUR ASS DOWN HERE! What's $12 for some good, funky organ jazz!?!

[connoisseur series500]

8 minutes until we hit the stage. If you're in Chicago, GET YOUR ASS DOWN HERE! What's $12 for some good, funky organ jazz!?!

No kidding!

Wish I could be there. Have to wait till you guys return to Baker's. You're slowly building up a fan base down here. We'll have to show up in a bus next time you come to town.

[bertrand]

What are chewy chords???

I'm sorry you guys weren't in DC tonight as originally planned. Any news on a new date? Make sure it's not between 1/27 and 2/1 - I'm in LA

Bertrand.

Edited December 1, 2005 by bertrand

[Larry Kart]

Chewy chords are what Merrie Melodies are made of. Actually, I find Jim's chords to be chewier than Joe's -- Hammond B-3s have more fiber.

BTW, last night was a reminder, if one was needed, of how fine Organissimo's own tunes are. Almost insidiously catchy/memorable, they also have real substance, both for the listener and the band itself (i.e. the tunes come alive each time and leave lots of room for in-the-moment invention). "Pumpkin Pie" is a particular gem. I love its soulful sweetness (no play on words intended) and the way it builds and builds.

[Jim Alfredson]

"Hammond B-3s have more fiber." I like that! Although I think both Joe and I use chewy chords now and again.

Larry, it was great to see you again last night. Thank you for bringing out John and Terry. I heard from Mitchell that Neil wanted to make it but was feeling under the weather. The turnout was not anywhere near as high as I would've hoped, but that seems to be par for the course these days. And anyway, the quality of the crowd far outweighed the quantity, with Larry, John, and Terry in attendance as well as two gentlemen who drove over 70 miles to see us (now that's what I'm talking about!)

Thanks again!