The Hammond organ is one of the most exciting sounds in jazz. This dynamic band explores the jazz organ genre to the full. Soul, gospel, funk, and samba are all part of the mix. Tunes by Mose Allison, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Rufus Thomas, Gil Scott-Heron and a number of accessible original tunes, all form part of an eclectic and imaginative repertoire. Gigs this year include The Yardbird Suite - Leeds, Teeside Festival, Hartlepool Festival, a season at Newcastle Arts Centre, Birmingham international jazz festival, Ronnie Scott's Club Birmingham and supporting Georgie Fame at the Purple Onion Stockton. Gerry and Paul played in the house band for new Tyne Tees TV "Docter Rock Show'. Gerry Richardson's unique approach to the huge, immediate sound of the Hammond, combined with Garry Linsley's soulful saxophone and Paul Smith's consummate drumming makes the band sound much bigger than a trio! New CD. Available in November.

Gerry Richardson - Organ - Bass pedals and Vocals   

Gerry is a highly accomplished musician and composer. He has a wealth of experience in both jazz and rock, which is brought to an exciting and innovative fusion in this latest venture. His big gigs include work with The Police, Billy Ocean, Guy Barker, Chris Hunter, Carol Grimes , John Miles and Ian Shaw. He played organ on Sting's 1996 single 'Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot.'

   Garry Linsley - Saxophone - Percussion

Garry is one of the North East's most versatile and skilled saxophonists. He has been playing for 15 years locally, nationally, and internationally with bands such as Red Music, Junco Partners and Chairman Mo's Blues Party.

Paul Smith - Drums - Percussion   

Paul is probably the drummer in the North. He is at home in any style and master of the groove. He's worked with almost everybody This is just a small sample: Jimmy Witherspoon, Echo and the Bunnymen, Art Farmer, Kathryn Tickell, Harry 'Sweets 'Edison, Jimmy Nail, Martin Stephenson, Jim Mullen, and Alan Clark (Dire Straits).

 
Gerry Richardson Trio - Sage Gateshead Jazz Festival 2006

CD  -  MISSION STATEMENT

Gerry Richardson     Hammond A100 organ, Bass pedals & vocals
Paul Smith               Drums & Percussion
Garry Linsley           Alto Saxophone & Percussion
Anthony Adams       Guitar on tracks 1,2 & 6

Track list

1. Mission Statement 2. School Of Hard Bops 3. African Sunset 4. Lady Day & John Coltrane 5. See You Later 6. Benwell Bohemia 7. Barefootin' 8. Ska Odyssey 9. Our Day Will Come 10. Everybody Crying Mercy

I've been playing the Hammond since 1968, and inevitably in that time I've discovered and been influenced by the major players of the instrument. In the planning and production of this C D. I tried to let those influences come out in certain tunes. Hence Mission Statement is a tribute to the great Billy Preston-School of Hard Bops bows to the all pervading Jimmy Smith (down to use of left hand bass, this is the only tune on which I don't use the pedals.) Our Day Will Come mines a deep seam of cheese, something in the style of Wild Bill Davis and on various tunes I know you'll bear licks and tricks from Brian Auger, Booker T, Charles Earland, Chester Thompson and Larry Young. I've spent years listening to those guys, trying to figure out what the hell they're doing!

As well as saluting the past we've tried to move the jazz organ genre forward, so there's a township feel on African Sunset. Ska Odyssey is self explanatory and I guess the groove on Lady Day and John Coltrane owes something to Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare. See you later is both melodically and harmonically a little more cerebral than your average soul organ track. We're trying to both maintain and extend the tradition! I love playing in this band - I hope you enjoy listening to us.