The Hammond Soul Summits are a series of artist revue shows put on by the Hammond Organ Company to showcase the wide variety of music which Hammond instruments are a part of.
What I didn't completely understand until the weekend of the event was that this wasn't just a standard MI company artist revue; it was a wake for (and benefit for the family of) the late marketing director of the company, Gregg Gronowski.
Gregg was a friendly but understated powerhouse, the kind of marketing guy you don't mind being involved in product development meetings because you know he's not going to compromise the big picture. The Soul Summits were his idea, part of his marketing revamp for the company which from my perspective as a manufacturer and an organ lover was extremely wise and effective.
This was the biggest gig of my life, up to that point. Not only was I playing on the same stage as friends and heroes, I was _opening_ by myself ... fill an hour before 16 or so heavy hitters shake the house till midnight. No stress, right?
It went smoothly, actually. Everyone was super friendly and supportive. Hammond organists are a brotherhood (sisters welcome) which other instrumentalists just do not understand. Generally speaking, I've never been treated as less than a peer by _any_ bass-playing organist.
The whole experience was incredible. I got to see Mark Stein (Vanilla Fudge) play "You keep me hangin on" complete at soundcheck with the band while I was setting up. While I was tearing down, I got to tear up while Dr Lonnie Smith played "Frame for the blues." "Green Eyed Lady" with 4 organists to cover the solo? Wow. Scott May did a great tribute to Lee Michaels with 5 Hammond players on "Do you know what I mean?"
It was quite an experience and I am thankful to be a part of it.
credits
released February 22, 2017
Suit & Tie Guy: Hammond SK1 -> Behringer DittoX4, STG Soundlabs modular synthesiser, Yamaha Reface DX -> Boss RC-202, Beat Buddy, Roland TR-8, SBX-1, Lexicon MPX-1, Eventide H3500DFX, Behringer UFX-1204, and a table.
supported by 4 fans who also own “Hammond Soul Summit 2017”
Right from the first sound you hear, to the last note - this album will transport you to a natural place. I cannot put into words how this album has been such a huge help. It’s like a friend now - like someone who is always there. An amazing album that everyone should own. Thanks so much, Robert. darkstarr666
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supported by 4 fans who also own “Hammond Soul Summit 2017”
"Extremely delicate and light in a way that seems not to be of this world." This is the very definition of the word 'ethereal' . . . and also of this album.
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