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Formed in November of 2000, organissimo is an organ trio featuring Joe Gloss, Jim Alfredson, and Randy Marsh.

Guitarist Joe Gloss (Lansing, MI) finds inspiration in bluegrass and classical music as well as jazz. As he continues to explore the sonority of the guitar, he leaves his unique and beautiful compositions along the way. A student of tradition as well as innovation, he cites Wes Montgomery and Grant Green among his influences along side Pat Metheny and John McLaughlin.

Jim Alfredson (Lansing, MI) began his love affair with the Hammond B3 organ at the age of four. He began seriously studying the instrument when he was seventeen, listening endlessly to Jimmy Smith records. His compositions reveal his love of a deep groove and simple, interlocking rhythms. Jim firmly believes in uncovering new directions with the organ trio while acknowledging the strong history.

Drummer Randy Marsh (Grand Rapids, MI) brings years of experience and skill to the trio. Known across the midwest by fans and musicians alike, Randy is a well of creativity, invention, and positive spirituality both on and off the band-stand. His membership in the trio ensures expressiveness and urges improvisation at every turn.

organissimo performs original organic grooves alongside traditional standards.

For more information:Jim Alfredsonp: 517.974.4815 f: 517.485.1101e: info@organissimo.org

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Good Things Come To Those Who Wait.February 23, 2002

"Waiting for the boogaloo sisters…" is the title of the debut record by Organissimo, but it could also be a description of the trio's very existence.

"Joe and I have waited to do this record for six years. All we needed were the tunes themselves and Randy," organist Jim Alfredson laughs.

Jim and guitarist Joe Gloss met in the fall of 1996 as students in Michigan State University's jazz combo program. They formed many trios and quartets together, but it wasn't until a master class with saxophonist Ron Blake that they decided to make a record. Not only that, but they were determined to have Ron on the album, too.

Six years later, in the fall of 2002, Jim and Joe entered the studio with the missing link, exceptional drummer Randy Marsh, to record as Organissimo. And they even got Ron Blake as well!

Good thing they waited. "Waiting for the boogaloo sisters…" features nine original compositionsexploring a wide range of styles, colors, and influences.

The record opens with Meet Me @ 11, an odd metered jaunt with some unexpected twists and turns. Curt solos by organ and guitar frame a catchy melody that belies Randy's off kilter rhythmic pattern beneath.

The funky Clap Yo Hands features Ron Blake on tenor saxophone. "We wrote it around a Zigaboo Modeliste drum beat," Jim Alfredson explains. "The tune really wrote itself, but Ron's playing definitely added the finishing touch." Blake quotes some well known funkateers in his solo over a danceable groove.

Young's Dream, a tribute to organist Larry Young, has a rather ethereal beginning. "It's based very closely on his tune 'Tyrone' and the melody actually came to me in a dream," Jim recalls. "I dreamed I was doing a gig with the trio and the audience was really digging this tune we were playing. The dream lasted just long enough to get to the head out of the tune. Then I woke up and ran to the organ to figure it out!"

Pre Dawn Rain is a gorgeous ballad by Joe Gloss. Joe's acoustic guitar states the melody alone at first and eventually is joined by the organ and drums which lead into a beautiful solo by Joe. Ron Blake follows invoking both Coltrane and Charles Lloyd within his solo. Ron and Joe then play the melody together and the song ends as quietly and gently as it began.

"Waiting for the boogaloo sisters…" is an amazing debut from this promising group. Jim, Joe, and Randy fit perfectly together, crafting a sound all their own and successfully extending the tradition of the organ trio. Good things do come to those who wait!

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"p e o p l e s a y . . .

peoplesay..."Organissimo's music is funky, fresh, and in the Hammond B3 tradition." ~Ben Sidran, jazz pianist & producer ~

"I hadn't listened to your CD until today. It's really excellent in every respect: variety, compositions, recording quality and a high level of playing. This is sure not your typical organ trio/quartet. You're all so musical and fresh sounding, and yet with enough of the tradition intact to feel like home when you want to." ~Bud Spangler, jazz drummer & producer~

"The CD sounds great and it's installed in my van. [Randy is] playing so solid and in the pocket but still adding those occasional permutations that I pay to see and hear! Jim and Joe [play] like conjoined twins!" ~Bill Vits, Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra percussionist~

"I love the disc... it is GREAT MUSIC. Don't hesitate." ~Chuck Nessa, label owner & producer~

"You guys are the world's most danceable jazz group!" ~Anonymous fan at Billy's Lounge~

"[Joe Gloss] gets top marks from me; beautiful, round, liquid sounds, with excellent melodic developments... [He] reminds me of Kenny Burrell or Grant Green... Unquestionably, the drummer is the perfect fit for the trio... efficient and musical..." ~Michel Devos, classical recording engineer~

"You have a great feel and wonderful ideas. Your tunes are fresh and interesting." ~Tony Monaco, Hammond B3 organist~

For more information:Jim Alfredsonp: 517.974.4815 f: 517.485.1101e: info@organissimo.org

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