Hey Mario,

You know, it occurred to me from your comments that in a relatively short time, there won't be any of us left who remember B3 trios, Jimmy, Cap'n Jack, Holmes - he had the kickin'-est bass lines in the business - Larry Young and Don Patterson (my biggest influences on the instrument), Dr. Lonnie (who survived all of them and is still going strong; but that getup ... man, way over the top). I remember someone asking Dr. Lonnie Smith what he was a doctor in. He said, "Man, I just made it up. It sounded cool, so I used it!"

Jimmy Smith was great on the instrument, but not so hot as a person (IMHO!!). He referred to other organists as his "pupils." I wonder how Jack McDuff felt when Jimmy referred to him specifically.

Then the instrument went dead for at least 30 years, only to make a huge comeback. I guess we can thank Joey for that. Joey can imitate any and all of the above but, at least to me, has no original voice of his own. Chops galore, but maybe when you can sound like anyone you like, there's no room left to sound like ... yourself!

Anyway, some thoughts on the B3. Thanks for all those wonderful comments buddy.

Dean