The Michael Gauthier Trio Organ-ization - June 18, 2009

In nearly every city there’s usually a local Jazz Guitarist or two that everyone has “grown up” listening to. In my case it is Montreal Jazz Guitarist Michael Gauthier. I first came across Michael when I was just getting into Jazz Guitar back in the very early ‘80’s. As an impressionable youth, Michael’s playing, soulful and boppish, instantly grabbed my attention and I followed him around the city every chance I could get. And even though I never approached him directly, Michael’s pursuit of the Jazz tradition always stayed with me...

As I drifted into other areas of my life and the years passed, I wondered about him from time to time but was too busy with non-music related activities to catch a performance or two. Thankfully, when I started Jazz Guitar Life I had the opportunity to re-connect with Michael and was pleased to hear the same playing that thrilled me so many years ago…albeit wiser and more mature…J

All that to say that when I received a Facebook event message about Michael playing with his current Organ trio, Organ-ization, at Café Sarajevo, I jumped at the chance to catch a set and do this review.

Upon entering the Bosnian eatery, I immediately noticed that there was practically no one there except for the staff and two patrons. As you all well know, this is sometimes an unfortunate “side effect” of being a working Jazz musician and is in no way a reflection on the player or group. As luck would have it though, by the time the trio started playing, there were more than a few warm bodies to play to. And play they did.

Michael Gauthier, Organist Lorrie Goodman and Drummer Eric Thibodeau played with an energy and enthusiasm that reminded me time and again why I love the vibe and intensity of the Organ Trio, and Organization was delivering it in spades. In fact, at one point they were even asked to “turn down”. Now that’s energy!

Not that I’m surprised. Michael and Lorrie are seasoned professionals within the local Montreal Jazz Community, and as such, are musicians of high caliber. Michael is one of a handful of Jazz Guitarists that have been around in the local public eye for the last 40 years or so. His playing is reminiscent of many of the higher profile Jazz Guitar legends - think Grant Green and Kenny Burrell - but with his own unique approach to the single line. He’s also a first rate accompanist who stays clear of other harmonic instruments by utilizing 2 and 3 note chord shots and laying out when needed. A really fine player all around!

Lorrie Goodman is Montreal’s preeminent B3 Organ player. His style is akin to the Organ master’s that have come before including Jimmy Smith and Larry Young alongside contemporaries such as Joey DeFrancesco and Larry Goldings.

As a younger Drummer, Eric Thibodeau may not have the years that Michael and Lorrie have, but that didn’t seem to stop him from playing an awesome set, fitting in nicely with his band-mates.

Kicking off the first set was an original Lorrie tune titled “Marchin’ In” from an upcoming CD release yet to be recorded. In fact, the entire first set was composed of all original tunes stemming from the pen of either Michael or Lorrie. Alongside their respective compositional abilities, each of the seven tunes featured both Michael and Lorrie’s expressive improvisational skills.

Michael’s playing was as tasty as I remembered it and while he was smokin’ on all tunes, their were a few standout moments, like on the tune “TOBY”, which featured Michael laying down some hip, rock-tinged lines over an almost Progressive Rock/Jazz feel. Drummer Eric and Organist Lorrie definitely earned their pay for the night on that tune alone! Also, the Michael Gauthier penned “Ridin’ The Rail” proved to be memorable as it paid homage to the traditional Chitlin’ Circuit Organ trios. Michael’s guitar work on this tune was especially fine and could be text-book material for those wanting to re-capture that particular vibe. The biting tone of his Fender Princeton II driven Guild Artist X-700 added to the overall authenticity of the piece. Kenny would be proud.

Speaking of great Jazz Guitar legends, I couldn’t help but hear a little bit of Howard Roberts in the Lorrie composition titled “Too Hip To Be Cool”. I don’t know if this was intentional, but the catchy 1970’s Pop/Jazz groove immediately brought Howard to mind.

The remaining tunes were just as cool and each player worked their respective behinds off for the intimate but appreciative room.

As the first set came to a close, I couldn’t help but realize that Montreal has some great players worthy of the respect and admiration given to the more popular artists. It’s a shame that their passion for keeping the tradition alive is not acknowledged on a grander scale. Their day still may come, but for now The Michael Gauthier Trio seems to have settled into playing at Café Sarajevo for the next little while, so I’ll definitely be making a few return trips.

If you live in Montreal, or are visiting this great city, do yourself a favor and check out The Michael Gauthier Trio. It’s a wonderful way to spend an evening.

Click here to see where else The Michael Gauthier Trio Organ-ization will be playing next.