Trudy Pitts Live At The Great American Music Hall CD

The Trudy Pitts and 'Mr. C' story began in the mid fifties as the Modern Age of Jazz Organ emerged. As Jimmy Smith unveiled his revolutionary style and organ-antics, Bill Carney prepared himself for the Golden Age of Jazz Organ. As an enthusiastic band leader; percussionist; and some-time vocalist, 'Mr. C' (as he came to be known) showcased some of the more important principles in this new instrumental craze. Even John Coltrane played in 'Mr. C's 'Hi-Tones' along with Shirley Scott before she replaced Doc Baby in Eddie Davis' combo. It wasn't until 'Mr. C' met Trudy Pitts, however, that his career began to take on momentum and his collective efforts began to pay off. Trudy was an accomplished pianist who studied classical music and was deeply involved in church music and its many offerings. Unlike many others, she had the skills to cross-over into the jazz idiom without having to sacrifice any part of her musical foundation. In fact, it was the totality of the music that mattered to Trudy. Whether it was Classical, Jazz or any of the other music forms that fell in between, it all made sense to Trudy Pitts. Hers was a personable style with unique interpretations and a firm grip on the phenomenon that would come to be called: Jazz Organ.

Liner Note Author: Joey DeFrancesco.

Recording information: Great American Music Call (05/05/2007).

Photographer: Matthew Campbell.

Personnel: Trudy Pitts (Hammond b-3 organ); Carl Lockett (guitar); Mr. "C" (drum).

Audio Mixer: Lee Brenkman.