Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Larry Coryell & Dr. Lonnie Smith Concert to be Presented by South Florida JAZZ

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs




South Florida JAZZ welcomes jazz masters LARRY CORYELL and DR LONNIE SMITH as they launch their guitar-organ-drums trio in familiar territory. Both artists are favorites of jazz lovers in the area and have special relationships to SFJ, but have not appeared together in South Florida. It should be thrilling.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – South Florida’s premier modern jazz organization is thrilled to feature two artists who have thrilled jazz audiences for years and now appear together in a new trio with drummer Marty Morell. This concert takes place at the 500-seat Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center on the Nova Southeastern University campus, 3100 Ray Ferrero, Jr Blvd in Davie 33314. Tickets are $35 ($25 for South Florida JAZZ members and $10 for students of any age with I.D.) and may be purchased from the Broward Center Box Office by calling 954.462.0222 in Broward County; also toll-free at 877-311-SHOW, as well as online at: southfloridajazz.org, the presenting organization’s official Web site.

LARRY CORYELL-DR LONNIE SMITH TRIOIn 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.

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 1970s.

Funding for this organization is provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council.



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Jazz & Blues Florida

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