The Doctor Is In: Dr. Lonnie Smith

DR. LONNIE SMITH is what many musicians refer to as a "road warrior," one who tours consistently with or without a new album to promote. The 66-year-old legend is also one of the last great living jazz organists who emerged out of the '60s soul-jazz boom.

During that heyday, Smith was in fierce company with other ace jazz organists such as Jack McDuff, Jimmy McGriff, and the high priest of the jazz Hammond B3 organ, Jimmy Smith. In that crowd (and there were plenty of others), it's easy to image that time being very cutthroat. But Smith remembers it differently.

"We had a lot of fun," he recalls "We used to all meet together sometimes and play. Then we would stick our hands into pot as if you were playing and I'd come play and stick my hands over the keyboards and vamp. We loved each other."

The charismatic organist, who's created somewhat of a mystical persona by wearing a turban onstage and adding "doctor" to his stage name —for "no apparent reason," he admits — marvels at his longevity and his ability to touch listeners. "Every time I go somewhere, I whisper to myself, 'There are young people in the audience,'" Smith says. "And oftentimes, they're just standing through the whole concert. I don't understand it."

Perhaps, it's Smith's affinity for the blues and R&B as well as his populist view in performance that makes him such a magnetic force. Of course, there are also those burning chops and that undeniable swing. But for Smith, technique takes a backseat to content.

"You're playing for the people. You're not just playing for yourself. If you start only thinking about yourself onstage, you can stay at home and play," he says.

This weekend, Smith will play for the people at Blues Alley, fronting a trio that includes guitarist Peter Bernstein and drummer Anthony Pinciotti. Smith says that he'll focus on music, both old and new, but looks forward to showcasing a few new tunes from his forthcoming disc (due early next year).

Of that disc, Smith says: "It's just music for the people to enjoy. It's a happy-occasion kind of a CD. It has nothing pressuring people into trying to think about what I'm doing technically. Just take it and enjoy."

» Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW; through Sun., 8 & 10 p.m.; $25; 202-337-4141.

Written by Express contributor John Murph
Photo courtesy drlonniewmith.com