Big Organ Trio was cofounded by B3 organ wizard Mike Mangan, noted session drummer Brett McConnell, and in demand bassist Bernie Bauer. B.O.T.s music possesses a powerful and unique sound, and has moved Santana cofounder and original B3 organist/lead vocalist Gregg Rolie to comment: "I always considered my organ solos as guitar or maybe horn sections with some organ thrown in, which is not the usual approach. I think Mike Mangan and B.O.T. may have taken that same idea a step further."
Stylistically, the instrumental Hammond B3 organ trio (organ, electric bass, & drums) is a potent mixture of its three members influences. Mangan, McConnell, and Bauer all share a great love and respect for the old school spirit of blues, jazz, and rock improvisation. Fusing this basis with fresh musical ideas that borrow from funk, hip-hop, Latin, electronica, and beyond, has helped B.O.T. produce an innovative, modern, and totally original soundscape.
Beyond fusing different genres, B.O.T. has the unique ability to exude a startling energy uncharacteristic of organ trios. McConnell blasts out highly creative and energy packed grooves in various styles. Bauer emits an undeniable pocket and tone, while often taking over lead melodies and solos on the bass. Together they comprise a driving, yet refined, rhythm section that delivers an amazing live punch. Add to the mix Mangan, an extremely unconventional organist with fiery solo chops who, through a truly unique approach, conjures new and unprecedented tones out of the legendary Hammond B3 organ, and we have a band that has achieved a very difficult task: finding its own voice.
Big Organ Trio helps bring the organ trio format into the new millennium by approaching it in their own way. Plainly stated, B.O.T. doesnt sound like any other organ based band, and they are spreading excitement in the younger music fan community about the untapped capabilities of this kind of line up. B.O.T. released their debut album in early 2006, and for music fans, they continue to be an electrifying band to see live.
Big Organ Trio has played shows at:
10,000 Lakes Festival (Detroit Lakes, MN)
Fillmore Jazz Festival (SF, CA)
Green Apple Festival (SF, CA)
Mojo Music Festival (Mammoth Lakes, CA)
Great American Music Hall (SF, CA)
The Knitting Factory (Hollywood, CA)
Big Organ Trio has shared the stage with:
Leo Nocentelli (The Meters)
Melvin Seals and Jerry Garcia Band
Particle
The New Mastersounds
Keith Emerson (Emerson, Lake, & Palmer)
Toussaint (Soulive)
