Wil Blades (Hammond B-3 organ), a native Chicagoan, has become the Bay Area’s first call organist and is rapidly gaining momentum throughout the world as a top-rate musician. For the past three years, he has been named a “Rising Star” organist in the Downbeat critics poll. While keeping the traditional sounds of Jimmy Smith, Larry Young, and “Groove” Holmes alive, Wil creates a personal, modern sound. He has performed and recorded with John Lee Hooker, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Melvin Sparks, Idris Muhammad, Joe Louis Walker, Don Braden, Donald Harrison, Karl Denson, Will Bernard, Charlie Hunter, Stanton Moore, Betty Joplin, Eddie Marshall, Herbie Lewis, and many others.
For this appearance at the Red Poppy, Wil will perform solo on the Hammond B-3 organ. Much of the performance will be improvised, though it will also include original pieces, songs from the American Songbook, and hymns.
“While B-3 players are already precious few these days, Bay Area jazz fans are lucky to have one as special as Wil Blades.”
—SFJAZZ
“A serious, deeply musical performer who shows considerable promise. A musician who knows what he wants to say and chooses not to overstate it, Blades offered one gleaming solo after another. The organist clearly has a great doing going for him, including a fluid technique and a palpable love for the instrument.”
—Chicago Tribune
www.wilblades.com
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kd_EObrPOvQ
www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu4uokcqe3Q
$10 – $15 admission. Doors open at 7:30 pm. Show at 8:00 pm.