I’m cramming to learn 22+ Snarky Puppy tunes before I play a few shows with them next week, and it reminded me of this wonderful clip I wanted to share with you. It’s organist, and SP member, Cory Henry playing a tribute to an influential organist named Melvin Crispell.
Cory Henry is an incredible musician. One of those guys for whom music seems to flow effortlessly. (Of course, he’s been at it since about age 4.)
For years he was a big part of the Snarky Puppy sound, but he’s played with, as they say, a virtual “who’s who” in music. Now he’s a bandleader.
++ Have you seen Cory’s solo on “Lingus”? I’ll put it at the bottom of this post, cuz…you need to. ++
A lot can be learned from this short clip about pacing, dynamics, shaping a song, and letting the music flow through you. A few things that stand out to me:
- How he orchestrates the organ like a choir and a soloist (call and response). You can do this with any instrument.
- How he directs the drummer to achieve maximum dynamics from the song.
- How he balances letting the music simmer with harmonic “wow” moments (~2:50, ~4:00). Notice how effective these moments are because the audience has been surprised just when they thought they could predict what was coming next.
- The groove, the groove, the groove! ABG…always be grooving.
So much soul. So much music for—and to—the people. I find it impossible not to smile after viewing this.
Enjoy.
PS, prepare to be blown away by his solo here:
Yes sir, ABG! Another heaping, satisfying serving of dopesauce. Thank you!
Haha. You’re awesome, Mark. I keep thinking I’ll disable comments (cause not many seem to use them) but then I think “But Mark!” 🙂
Indeed! I would have to pester you with comments on Youtube…Hey, there´s an idea… 🙂
Most effective ps of all time. Didn’t realize the album was out. Thanks for sharing
Nice! I nearly left it out, thinking the whole post would come off like a sales pitch, but Cory doesn’t even know I wrote this. 😉
Very very nice
That solo is probably one of the best solos I’ve ever seen……….EVER….the one on Lingus….is just TOOOO NASTTYYYY GOODDD!!!!!
Yeah, Cory is incredible.
you’re incredible too Bob!!!
You are too Bob! My band students really get into your solo on “Outlier.” I use the performances on “We like it here” as examples to explain many musical concepts in my jazz/concert/marching/beginning bands! your influence is great brother!
Thanks, Ezra. That’s very hip that you’re using that music to inspire your bands!
Thanks, Ezra.
Ridiculous gifted musician Corey. However, this entire band and ensemble is hot. I loved both videos. Awesome. I am a B3 player myself for over 35 years and I must give credit to this young gifted and talented musician. That is an old soul in a young body playing and abusing those keys like that. LOL.
Didn’t you attend Douglas Anderson?
I did.