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- The Analog Vault // Essential Listening -

Besides Jimmy Smith, nobody has put the Hammond organ on the map with more verve than B-3 maestro Dr. Lonnie Smith. Recorded at New York’s Jazz Standard in 2017 as part of the iconoclast’s 75th birthday bash, Breathe is live evidence that the legendary veteran was still in his musical prime - dozens of albums and over a half century after his debut.

Surrounded by a star-studded cast including guitarist Jonathan Kreisberg and drummer Johnathan Blake, alongside a feisty horn section, this boisterous and energetic performance is an all-timer. From the frenetic buoyancy of “Track 9” and “Bright Eyes,” to the introspective vulnerability of “Too Damn Hot” and “World Weeps,” to its studio bookends featuring Iggy Pop - Breathe’s exhalations leaves one breathless. - The Analog Vault

Breathe captures the Hammond B-3 organ legend Dr. Lonnie Smith during his 75th birthday run at the Jazz Standard in NYC in 2017, the same week he recorded his acclaimed trio album All In My Mind. On this night the good doctor took the stage with an expanded line-up featuring Jonathan Kreisberg on guitar, Johnathan Blake on drums, John Ellis on tenor saxophone, Jason Marshall on baritone saxophone, Sean Jones on trumpet, and Robin Eubanks on trombone. Two additional studio tracks that open and close the album present the unique collaboration between Doc and Iggy Pop including a sublime cover of Donovan’s 1966 hit “Sunshine Superman.”  – Blue Note