organissimo

Organist Jim Alfredson and guitarist Joe Gloss originally met at Michigan State University in 1997. Together they co-lead various groups. In early November of 2000 organissimo was born after teaming up with drummer Randy Marsh. His experience as an organ drummer and leadership served as the last piece of the puzzle. In the years since, organissimo has had an influence on other organ groups and is recognized as one of the premiere organ-based trios worldwide. In 2010 guitarist Joe Gloss left to pursue a career in the medical field and was replaced by young Detroit guitarist Ralph Tope, whose soulful contribution can be heard on “Dedicated”, the latest CD release. Because of an increasingly busy schedule Ralph Tope left and was replaced in 2012 by their current guitarist Larry Barris, a prolific and funky addition, also from Detroit.

organissimo's consistent goal over the last 14 years and into the future is to venture beyond the tradition of the classic organ-led combos of the 1960s into the post modern age, building upon the great foundation laid by the past masters, but incorporating contemporary elements. organissimo's focus is on original material and cultivating a unique group sound. All three members contribute equally and bring their diverse musical tastes to the band, producing a multi-layered whole.

organissimo's music has received numerous local and national awards, including a 2003 WYCE Jammy Award for Best Jazz Album for their CD “Waiting For The Boogaloo Sisters...” (PKO Records 020). The CD was also named one of the best releases of 2003 by Jim Wilke's Jazz After Hours program, syndicated on over 60 NPR stations nationwide.

organissimo has performed at many venues and festivals across the country including the famous Baker's Keyboard Lounge in Detroit, Chris's Jazz Cafe in Philadelphia, The Green Mill in Chicago, For The Music Only in New Hope, Pennsylvania, Cliff Bells in Detroit, The Dirty Dog in Grosse pointe, the 2003 Clearwater Jazz Holiday, the 2005 Idlewild Music Festival, the 2006 Chicago Jazz Festival, the 2006 and 2007 Detroit International Jazz Festivals, the 2006 Syracuse Jazz Festival, Rochester Jazz Festival in 2009, and the 2014 Burlington Discover Jazz Festival. In February 2007 they were invited to appear at the Tel-aviv Jazz Festival in Israel and received an enthusiastic standing ovation at the end of a riveting performance.

Gear

Hammond XK3 / XK System, Leslie 3300, Yamaha Motif ES Rack, Moog Voyager Signature Edition, Stromberg Monterey & Wechter Pathmaker guitars