I’m cramming to learn 22+ Snarky Puppy tunes before I play a few shows with them next week, and it reminded me of this wonderful clip I wanted to share with you. It’s organist, and SP member, Cory Henry playing a tribute to an influential organist named Melvin Crispell.

Cory Henry is an incredible musician. One of those guys for whom music seems to flow effortlessly. (Of course, he’s been at it since about age 4.)

For years he was a big part of the Snarky Puppy sound, but he’s played with, as they say, a virtual “who’s who” in music. Now he’s a bandleader.

++ Have you seen Cory’s solo on “Lingus”? I’ll put it at the bottom of this post, cuz…you need to. ++

A lot can be learned from this short clip about pacing, dynamics, shaping a song, and letting the music flow through you. A few things that stand out to me:

How he orchestrates the organ like a choir and a soloist (call and response). You can do this with any instrument. How he directs the drummer to achieve maximum dynamics from the song. How he balances letting the music simmer with harmonic “wow” moments (~2:50, ~4:00). Notice how effective these moments are because the audience has been surprised just when they thought they could predict what was coming next. The groove, the groove, the groove! ABG…always be grooving.

So much soul. So much music for—and to—the people. I find it impossible not to smile after viewing this.

Enjoy.

PS, prepare to be blown away by his solo here: