Lonnie Gasperini, a jazz organist from Rhode Island, recently moved to New York City. He continues to pursue his passion for organ jazz. His history includes performing or opening for artists such as Lou Rawls Hal Crook and Joe Lee Wilson, Percy Sledges, Dr. LonnieSmith, George Benson and Al Street. Lonnie’s early history includes tours with “Cannabis” in late 60’s. He is featured on the newly reissued CD “A Joint effort.” This includes Lonnie’s “Only Rock in Stock”, original. He grooves on Jeff Terra’s “Groovin In The Galaxy”, a recording on Atonement Records that features Lonnie’s “Grooves Blues”. “His own 1997 release “Turn Up The Gas” on his Keyclick Record label is available at www.cdbaby.com/gasperini Among his latest recordings as a sideman includes playing with New York’s guitarist Masami Ishikawa along with drummer Fukushi Tainaka in an Organ Trio setting which has Lonnie’s tribute to Fukushi, “Blues for Fukushi”. A few of his recent recordings (“Off the Cuff”) were also recorded with The Scott Gordley Trio. He was also featured on a new CD (“Saturday Night, Sunday morning”) which was released by Mark Texiera in July 2006. Lonnie’s original Funk song, Witch Doctor, is on Dr. LonnieSmith’s CD (Jungle Soul), Palmetto Records. It was released at The Jazz Standard in NYC (July 2006). Thurman Barker’s new CD, “Rediscovered”, features Lonnie. Thurman, a professor of Jazz at Bard College, played and recorded with Cecil Taylor as well as Sam Rivers. This project features Lonnie, who was also accompanied by Sam Morrison, a sax player who has played with Miles Davis. This CD presents Lonnie’s other side…more avant-garde. Captivating…great listening!!! Lonnie is currently working to create a New Project that caters to Organic Funk! Recent NY performances include “Knitting Factory”, The Garage, Smoke and Lenox Lounges, Showmanss, Robin’s Nests, The Bluenotes, Sugarbar, Cleopatra’s Needle, and BethelWoods Jazz Festival. Lonnie is the founder of the non-profit organization “Jazz Artists Workshops Session” (JAWS Inc.). He hosts workshops in the New England region. Participants ranged from 5-18 years old. “JAWS Inc.” offers a platform for children to perform alongside professional musicians in a live performance. Lonnie Gasperini is continuing the great organ tradition of Jimmy Smith and Dr. Lonnie Smith, Jimmy McGriff as well as Charles Earland, Groove Holmes and Larry Young. His music is a fascinating blend of American roots, current events and modern American music. from http://www.organjazz.net
