City Lights Theater, 529 S. 2nd St., San Jose (map)

Tickets: $15 ($13 for San Jose Jazz members) - online (click here) at City Lights box office - 408-295-4200


When one thinks of the Hammond Organ, one name comes to mind - James Oscar Smith or simply, Jimmy Smith.  During the 50s and 60s, he revolutionized the way the organ was played and heard.  Nearly all organists of past and present are descendants of his style.  During his career he played with several of the best musicians including Wes Montgomery, Kenny Burrell, and George Benson and he released several influential recordings including "Back at the Chicken Shack" and "The Sermon."  On May 23rd, Hammond Endorsed artist, Brian Ho, will lead a tribute to this wonderful musician.  

Brian solos and comps with his right hand while his left hand and feet play organ bass in the same tradition as the organ pioneers.  In this concert, his group will take you on a journey through several of Jimmy Smith's famous compositions as well several of his own originals and arrangements of some standards that will pay homage to the organist.   As always, he will continue to expand on the legendary sound of jazz with elements of funk, blues, hip-hop, and soul.   

Three other musicians will join him that night including two musicians with a direct lineage to Jimmy.  Calvin Keys will play guitar.  He has played with several of the organ greats including Jimmy Mc Griff, Jack Mc Duff, Groove Holmes, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and of course, Jimmy Smith.  Drummer Lorca Hart's father, Billy Hart, played and recorded with Jimmy Smith.  Lorca is paving his own legacy as his energetic and infectious grooves have led him to touring and recording dates with the Clayton Brothers, Anthony Wilson, and Julian Lodge.  All organ players have a saxophone partner and Jimmy Smith had Stanley Turrentine.  Thus, Brian has Oscar Pangilinan.  He is one of the rising stars of the jazz scene as he solos and channels his idols Cannonball Adderly and modern saxophonists such as John Ellis.  He plays extensively with John Worley, the SJ Jazz Orchestra, and studied with Kristen Strom.