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2016 Hope College Jazz Organ Summit
There was little doubt that Monaco and Coyle hit on something special that early September weekend. There were no egos or pretentions. Everyone was there because of their connection with the music.
Hope College
Holland, Michigan
September 9-10, 2016
Located in Western Michigan along the banks of Lakes Michigan and Macatawa, the small college town of Holland is not the type of place you might imagine for a gathering of musicians, students and jazz organ aficionados. Nonetheless, this quaint spot would serve as host to a very unique two-day event that was the brainchild of organist
Tony Monaco
organ, Hammond B3b.1959
Having just completed construction on the Jack H. Miller Center for the Musical Arts in the fall of 2015, the Hope College campus was the perfect venue to host this inaugural event. A state-of-the-art facility, the 64,000 square feet complex includes two performance spaces, classrooms, practice rooms, and a recordings studio. Several hotels, restaurants, and shopping areas were within walking distance, making it convenient and practical for all the participants. Those wishing to attend all the clinics, workshops, and concerts paid a registration fee for the weekend, while Saturday's main concert was open to the public as well.
Friday's events started in the late afternoon with a clinic featuring the Michigan-based organ trio
organissimo
organ, Hammond B3b.2000
Jim Alfredson
organ, Hammond B3Just a few blocks away, the Courtyard Marriott downtown would serve as base of operations for the rest of the evening, starting first with a V.I.P. reception. It was a perfect way for attendees to rub shoulders with the distinguished artists on hand. Monaco was there with his trio mates for the weekend, guitarist
Chuck Loeb
guitar1955 - 2017
Harvey Mason
drumsb.1947
By nine o'clock Big E's Sports Bar at the Courtyard was jam packed. Large doorways opened directly outside to additional seating areas and the weather was perfect to take in some live jazz from organissimo. The trio played their own set before opening things up for a jam session. Tony's student, Clif Metcalf, amazed the audience with his performance and justified his place as the college's first jazz organ major. Detroit legend
Gerard Gibbs
organ, Hammond B3b.1967
Jimmy Smith
organ, Hammond B31925 - 2005
More clinics would be the order of the day starting bright and early on Saturday morning. Monaco would get together with Loeb and Mason for a short performance and discussion of the elasticity of time and the use of bass pedals. Organ technician Lonnie Smith, not to be confused with jazz organist
Dr. Lonnie Smith
organ, Hammond B31942 - 2021
Producer and director Murv Seymour allocated his time slot to screening outtakes from his terrific 2013 documentary entitled Killer B3. Inspired by the seemingly endless variety of sounds that this 425 pound beast can produce, Seymour decided to spend several years tracking down some of the best artists for interviews. He wisely let these subjects do the talking, showing off engaging bonus footage that featured
Joey DeFrancesco
organ, Hammond B31971 - 2022
Trudy Pitts
organ, Hammond B31932 - 2010
Dr. Lonnie Smith
organ, Hammond B31942 - 2021
Giving those playing participants a chance to peddle their wares, Monaco would lead a two-hour jam session later in the day that included the sharing of constructive feedback and instruction. Filling the stage of the 800 seat concert hall, the session was set up with three organs and two drum sets. Supported by guitar student Ivan Akansiima, various combinations performed a variety of standards with everyone seated on stage as to get up close and personal with the music. Gerard Gibbs told the students to "take your time" when developing a solo and also managed a gorgeous duet with Monaco on "You Don't Know What Love Is." Billed as "the testosterone twins" by Monaco, students William Gorman and Clif Metcalf excelled while their teacher looked on in delight.
Following a break for dinner, the headlining concert featuring Monaco, Loeb, and Mason would take place at the main concert hall. This ticketed event was well attended and those on hand were treated to jazz organ at its best. Monaco and crew handled such familiar items as "O.G.D." and "All the Things You Are" with creativity and flair. Dedicated to mentor Jimmy Smith, Monaco's original "I'll Remember Jimmy" was as good a place as any to sample the considerable talents of this gifted organist. Capable of building climactic solos of great complexity, Monaco also knows how to milk the soft moments and his use of the various organ stops is distinct and original.
A breezy run through the waltz number "Bluesette" was probably a nod to its composer, the recently deceased Toots Thielemans. Loeb strutted his stuff with some Wes-like octaves and a warm and burnished tone before Mason would set up a lengthy and resourceful drum feature. Getting at various textures through the use of fingers, mallets, and sticks, Mason built his solo on swells in volume and tempo. By the end, his military snare riffs would seamlessly segue into the iconic "When Johnny Comes Marching Home."
Following a brief introduction, Monaco's student, Clif Metcalf spelled his teacher at the organ to join Loeb and Monaco for an accomplished take on Don Patterson's "S'Bout Time." This was followed by an encore from Monaco and the trio, closing things out appropriately with the Jimmy Smith warhorse, "The Sermon." Further music and "hang time" would be had as the throngs retreated back to Big E's Grill. The Hope Faculty Jazz Group held down the fort as a rotating cast of players impressed the crowd. Gerard Gibbs would steal the show again with a blisteringly fast rundown of the theme to "The Flintstones," with drummer Keith Hall anticipating his every move.
There was little doubt that Monaco and Coyle hit on something special that early September weekend. There were no egos or pretentions. Everyone was there because of their connection with the music and love of an instrument that is currently experiencing a healthy renaissance. Kudos to Hope College for having the insight and perseverance to see through such an endeavor. Here's looking forward to next year's summit!
Photo credit: C. Andrew Hovan
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2016 hope college jazz organ
tony monaco
Live Reviews
C. Andrew Hovan
United States
Michigan
Lansing
organissimo
Jim Alfredson
Chuck Loeb
Harvey Mason
Gerard Gibbs
Jimmy Smith
Dr. Lonnie Smith
Joey DeFrancesco
Trudy Pitts
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