“I Gotta Learn to Play Like Ike Stubblefield”

“I gotta learn to play like Ike Stubblefield.”

That’s Bobby Lee Rodgers, prolific guitarist and singer/songwriter, talking about one of the real masters of the Hammond B3 organ and the mini-Moog. Stubblefield lives in Atlanta and has a mind-blowing resume.

“He’s like a praying mantis
When he plays with his hands and his feet.
I gotta learn to play like Ike Stubblefield.”

Stubblefield began at the house of Berry Gordy, playing organ for bands and singers such as The Four Tops, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Martha Reeves, Stevie Wonder and Rare Earth. His career led him to more artists who understood and truly appreciated his soulful R&B approach to the instrument, working with Al Green, Ike & Tina Turner, Curtis Mayfield, B.B. King, The Pointer Sisters and George Benson. His mark was indelible, and he has been much in demand.

In the ’70s and ’80s, he worked with Quincy Jones, Phil Spector, Bill Szymczyk, Giorgio Moroder and hundreds of prominent musicians. He has written movie scores, music for television shows and commercials. He opened and ran a successful club in Vancouver that thrived for 14 years. He returned to his native Ohio and Detroit, where he garnered two Peoples’ Choice Awards.

Since moving to Atlanta in 2001, he’s opened two clubs and played with everyone on the jazz and jam scene. He has toured Europe extensively, and he filled in for Billy Preston on an Eric Clapton tour.

We’ve had the pleasure of seeing him at festivals such as Wanee and Bear Creek (of blessed memory). And he is coming to the Dunedin Brewery this Saturday, December 23rd, for what promises to be an outstanding show. Stubblefield will be joined by Jordan Garno, guitar (Leisure Chief and Serotonic) and Yral ‘datdudeondrums’ Morris (Come Back Alice and JOOSE). Opening will be Skallop.

Who the heck is Skallop? Glad you asked. Live improvisation from five fine musicians — is what. Michael Lyn Bryant plays guitar, and you might recognize him as the proprietor of Dunedin Brewery. He also plays with his band Veird. Trevor McDannel holds down the low end for Future Vintage and The Juanjamon Band. Tucker Sody pounds the drums for Displace. Austin Llewellyn is the keyboard wiz for Row Jomah, and Dave Gerulat plays percussion; he is the drummer for shoeless soul, was with CopE, and often sits in with Row Jomah. And Llewellyn and Gerulat are part of the Dunedin Family Band.

“I gotta learn to play like Ike Stubblefield.”

Or come out and listen to him! And be among the first to enjoy Skallop! What a great holiday treat!

Ike Stubblefield
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