Gerard B3 / Bio
Gerard is considered one of the true masters of the Hammond B3 organ in the US today. Born 1947 in New Jersey, Gerard was first introduced to the Hammond organ in the Church. He quickly discovered that jazz legend Jimmy Smith who took the Hammond B3 out of the church an brought it to the jazz scene during the 60's. Gerard purchased his first B3 at the age of 17 and started working with bands in New York City Like.
THE SONS OF JESSY JAMES
THE YOUNG SAVEGAS
There was one night while performing at the Rolling Stone night club with the Young Savages Gerard Jerry G. was approched by
a band member of Group Thearpy Ray Kennedy, to join
the band. Ray told Gerard that they were just getting to sign a recording contract with RCA Victor Records.
Group Thearpy recorded thear first album with RCA and started playing venues like the famed Fillmor East,
and were regulars at the Electric Circus, wear on meny occasions the famous Chambers Brothers would stop by
and join in with Group Thearpy on stage singing songs like the Curtis Mayfield tune People Get Geady. for a young Gerard to be part of thie experience was very exciting.
As time went on Ray Kennedy talked the members of Group Thearpy to leave N.Y.C. and head west to California
and hook up with manger Michael Gruber who got the band shows at The Whisky A Go Go, the famed Troubadour venu.
also openeing up for the Young Rascals at the Hollywood Bole.
Michael Gruber then booked a tour to England with the Moby Grape another one of his act's along with Group Thearpy
we were on are way. England how exciting was that.
while in England we peformed at the famous Round House venue. and did a TV rock suow called Color Me Pop wich was
produced by the legendary TED TURNER the show was on BBC 2 every Saturday. As soon as Turner had finished recording the group for television, " Ted Turner exclaimed that Group Thearpy is the the most exciting group i have ever recorded. For me probably a once in a lifetime experience." while in England Group Theaarpy was in the studio working on thear 2nd album
for the Record Lable " PHILIPS RECORDS "
A release of the 45 in England the song Cant Stop Lovin You Baby penned by Gerard Jerry G. and Tommy Burns hit the air
waves.
Returning to LA Group Thearpy disbanded in January 7 th 1970. while still living in LA Gerard met Jimi Hendrix at a late night
jam session, Gerard was invited on stage with friend Ray kennedy to jam with Hendrix as well as legendary blues guitariest Johnny Winter, Harvey Brooks Bass and Buddy Miles on Drums.
Not knowing at the time that Gerards Hammond playing had impressed Jimi, it was just another night of jaming in LA.
weeks went by and Gerard stayed intuch with Manager Bob Levine Group Thearpys New York Manager and gave Bob
a call telling him that he had recently jamed with his guy Jimi a few weeks earlier.
( For More Info Click on JIMI HENDRIX tab in the menu bar and watch the video of Bob Levine telling the story
of how Gerard Jerry Guida met Jimi Hendrix )
Back in New Your Gerard was invited in 2009 by Dave Amels a producer who was working on a song written by Bruce Springsteen called 4th July, Asbury Park ( SANDY ) for a compilation album with the Legendary Ben E King.
( to here this track click on the AUDIO tab Ben E King )
Gerard has also performed a single act in the 70's with an elaborate sound system
and a dazzling light show packing the dance floor 6 nights a week in
Lake Hopatcong N.J. Performing at 2 great Night Clubs.
THE ROYAL HAWALLAN Restaurant and Night Club
THE VILLAGE BARN Restaurant and Night Club
Gerard also performed at the renowned Mount Airy Lodge in Pocono Pennsylvania
for two years. Gerard performed as a single entertainer for 13 years packing the dance floors.
.........................More To Come....................