WARM: Shem Benebig on vocals. PICTURE / JOHN LEGER
Whanganui Jazz Club will be showcasing the virtuosity of the Michel Benebig Quartet at the RSA on Saturday, October 15.
Michel, from New Caledonia, performs with wife Shem on vocals, American guitar legend Carl Lockett and Kiwi drummer David Harris. For many the star attraction will be one of the original
Hammond C3 organs with Leslie speaker that Michel has sourced in New Plymouth, where the band performs the night before.
Hammond began producing this unique instrument in Chicago, USA in 1935. The technical detail will fascinate some, but to most of us the interest is in the sound this remarkable instrument produces - imitating the wind-driven pipe organ. The New Plymouth organ dates to 1959. By 1966, the date when the technology changed from the vintage 'rotating tone wheel', there were Hammond organs in some 50,000 churches.
The instrument found its way into the world of blues, soul and jazz music in the early 1950s, with the likes of Wild Bill Davis, Jimmy Smith and Jimmy McGriff three of the most important players. It would also influence rock and popular music as heard in songs such as Procul Harum's A Whiter Shade of Pale.
Michel has been performing on Hammond organs all over the world for more than 20 years. Guitarist Carl Lockett has played and recorded with too many internationally acclaimed artists to list. We are privileged to welcome both of these artists to Whanganui. Their collaboration began in 2013, and you will have to hear the music these two make together to believe it. Add the warm and passionate singing of Shem Benebig and the drums of David Harris and you have a concert you will not want to miss.
RSA doors open at 5.30pm for meals, and music starts at 6.30pm. Jazz Club Members pay $10, non-members $20. Memberships are available at the door.
