A Tribute to Pete Fallico

Mr. Pete Fallico is a well-known radio personality, concert promoter, jazz organ aficionado and producer. I first met Pete at the Monterey Jazz Festival when he brought in Johnny “Hammond” Smith for a special tribute evening. One of the organists playing the tribute was Terrell Prude, who had been the organist with Spider Martin before I replaced him in 1965.

True story: Terrell and I had never met, and when a complete stranger walked up to him and said, “1965 – Remember Spider Martin?” – Terrell jumped like I had just said, “Mr. Prude, I’m from the IRS and…”)

After the shock wore off, we chatted and he introduced me to Pete. Some time later, I got a call from Pete, he was doing a series of concerts at a restaurant in San Jose and would I like to play an evening? (You betcha, Red Ryder!)

While I had continued to play Hammond until I came to San Francisco to study Hindustani Classical music in 1968, I had not played a real Hammond since then except for a few recording sessions. I had come to rely on the numerous ‘clone’ instruments: Voce, Oberheim, and even the re-energized Hammond/Suzuki were playable, but not comprehensive, replacements (and weighed under 15 pounds, unlike The Beast!) But just one evening with the Real Deal again and I realized that my clonewheel days were really a pale imitation. Two months later, I had a real Hammond and was back at it…

The esteemed Mr. Fallico has done more to keep interest in jazz organ alive than any record company exec. As players, we promote ourselves, but Pete is pushing the Concept, and the Power Of The Beast. This page is for him, and all those who love the growl of the Hammond. His enthusiasm, generosity and knowledge of the subject make him the Ultimate Hammond Aficionado!

Meet the Masters – and the New Stars

• Jimmy Smith w/Kenny Burrell 1993
• Brother Jack Macduff-1964
• Hank Marr
• Rhoda Scott and Barbara Dennerlien
• Joey DeFrancesco
• Tony Monaco
• Dr. Lonnie Smith – Come Together
• Larry Goldings

And so many more wonderful players of this great instrument. Hats off to the Hammond organ, and the man who keeps the players gigging, Mr. Pete Fallico!

An Update on Sightings of The Beast

The resurgence appears to have taken root. Sirius XM’s Real Jazz satellite radio show regularly has tracks with Hammond players, significantly more often than I would her them on San Francisco jazz radio in the seventies. It’s Al-i-i-ive…