Gene Ludwig is a well-known soul-jazz organist who has had relatively sporadic opportunities to record as a leader during his long career. But the Pittsburgh-based instrumentalist, leading a trio with guitarist Bob DeVos and drummer Rudy Petschauer, shines in a meeting with trumpeter Bill Warfield's big band for a concert at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. Ludwig contributed the soulful opener, Duff's Blues, which showcases the organist and the still brilliant octogenarian trumpeter Joe Wilder. Lee Morgan's exotic Totem Pole also features Wilder and tenor saxophonist Dave Riekenberg (the latter a talent deserving of wider recognition). Warfield and Ludwig are the soloists for Woody Shaw's driving hard bop vehicle The Organ Grinder. There's no mistaking the train influence in DeVos' funky Dance of the Coal Cars, with the horn section providing the warning to get out of the way. Herbie Hancock's Dolphin Dance has been a favorite of jazz pianists since it first appeared, though it works equally well in Warfield's subtle arrangement. Beautifully recorded with excellent balance, this concert CD is warmly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden, Rovi

1		Duff's Blues
2		Totem Pole
3		The Organ Grinder
4		The Circuit
5		Naked City
6		Dance Of The Coal Cars
7		Dolphin Dance
8		Breakin' The Ice