LIVE: The Gene Ludwig Trio @ the Whisperdome, 10/23/09

Last Friday evening, Hammond B-3 organ master Gene Ludwig and his trio rolled into the First Unitarian Society’s Whisperdome in Schenectady to perform as part of the A Place For Jazz series. In tow, he brought veteran New York City jazz guitarist Dave Stryker and Vince Ector on drums.

Fronting the traditional organ trio, the 72-year-old Ludwig showed the audience why he was the preferred accompanist for so many great musicians, including saxophonists Sonny Stitt and Bill Easley, as well as vocalist Arthur Prysock.

Since the release of his 1998 solo CD, “Back On Track,” Ludwig has also been making quite a name for himself in the jazz world as a leader and composer, as well.

At the Whisperdome, Stryker’s nimble fingers rode the fret-board easily, while Ludwig soloed over the solid beats and pusating rhythm laid down by drummer Ector. Jazz classics and self-penned originals filled the hall with excitement and passion as these three men performed two triumphant sets to an appreciative audience.

A Place for Jazz’s fall concert series wraps up one last concert on Friday, November 6. Trumpeter Steve Lambert will be leading an all-star sextet – including saxmen Keith Pray and Brian Patneaude – in celebration of the release of his new CD, “May,” on the Planet Arts label.

Review and photographs by Andrzej Pilarczyk