The abundance of superlative jazz continues to surprise us all. On Wednesday, September 23rd, you will find another example of the jazz that resides in Buffalo. It marks the occasion of the CD Release Party for Walt Sopicki and the CD Walt Sopicki B3X3 which features Sopicki on guitar, Joey Defrancesco on Hammond B3 organ, Bobby Jones on Hammond B3 organ, Doug Riley on Hammond B3 organ, and Vito Rezzo on drums. Fleur De Son Jazz produces the CD.
Have a read of the Editorial Review on Amazon (Order on Amazon here) to learn of the historical prominence of our city has with the Hammond B3 sound:
Buffalo, New York was once the buckle of the Hammond B-3 Belt the center of a circuit of urban clubs stretching from Philadelphia and NYC all the way to Chicago. The Queen City was home to legendary joints where national stars like Jimmy Smith and Brother Jack McDuff were heard along with up and coming locals like Buffalos own Dr. Lonnie Smith. On Walt Sopicki Trios: B3X3, Buffalo guitarist Walt Sopicki puts on the B-3 Belt with three of the latter-day legends of the Hammond from the region: Joey DeFrancesco, Doug Riley, and Bobby Jones. His first disc as a leader, Sopicki fully realizes his dream gig of melding his personal approach to modern jazz guitar with the classic sound of the mighty B-3. Recorded over a series of sessions with drummer Vito Rezza and producer Jim Krawczyk, B3X3 is a unique contribution to the 21st c. organ trio canon.
There is also a fantastic and informative write up by Bruce Eaton, former producer of the Art Of Jazz Series, on Walt Sopicki’s website. There are more details about each of the artists involved. Read here: Walt Sopicki New CD
Walt Sopicki
Walt Sopicki began playing at the age of nine and began professionally at 19. Walt studied with legendary Frank Gerard locally. He has performed with most notable David Kane And Them Jazzbeards. The band produced original music and several CD’s over a span of a decade and is known for its eclectic fusion sounds within a framework of jazz improvisation. Walt also has a full schedule of teaching students in the area.
CD Release Party
The CD Release Party takes place Wednesday, September 23rd at Mezza Restaurant as part of the Wednesday Night Jazz Series hosted by Wayne Moose beginning at 6:30pm. It will feature Walt Sopicki on guitar backed by Wayne Moose on bass, Bobby Jones on piano/organ, and Abdul-Rahman Qadir on drums.
So stop by and celebrate another shining moment in the JazzBuffalo community. Congratulations to Walt Sopicki!
Keep Jazz Alive In WNY!!!
