Larry Goldings

One of the top modern organ and piano players, Goldings does everything with a touch of soul, whether he's jabbing out simple, funky melodies, or going off on a blazing chromatic run. He's spent much of his time as the perfect accompanist, helping guitarists like John Scofield get contemporary Soul-Jazz grooves going with some Hammond B3 fire. On his own, he has proven himself a great leader in traditional organ-guitar-drums settings, as well as an excellent, if underrated, acoustic pianist. Goldings nicely combines the technical prowess of organist Jimmy Smith with the tonal mastery and experimental innovation of Fusion organ player Larry Young, then adds a good dash of New Orleans grit. Perhaps veteran Funk sax player Maceo Parker says it best on his classic Life On Planet Groove: "Go Larry! Go Larry! Go Larry!"