By Daniel Brielmaier

Dr. Lonnie Smith played 2 sold out shows Monday night at the Jazz Estate on Milwaukee’s East Side. Smith is a master of the Hammond B3 organ, and plays it to a mind-blowing effect. His shows are a dynamic event. At one moment he has his Hammond B3 whispering some secret to the rapt crowd, and the next he’s paved over that with a wall of sonic delight. He had me amazed throughout the night with his skills for bringing it back to earth. At one point ending a song with “I better stop here”.

Smith’s drummer was amazing. Smith introduced him as his ‘grandson’, but also introduced his guitarist the same way. Monday’s shows at the Jazz Estate had the distinction of being the most expensive show they have ever put on, and deservedly so.