Joe Ruicci Australia: Lachy Doley An Incredible Talent
Master of the Hammond B3 and The Whammy Clav Topped By Great Vocals and an Amazing Band
Classic Sounds Tweaked By His Own Special Touch and Mixed With His Many New Creations
All Presented With More Energy Than Most Performers Today
“Makes u feel good the way he plays that clavinet”
BOOTSY COLLINS
“The greatest living keyboard player in the world today”
GLENN HUGHES (Deep Purple)
Dubbed the Jimi Hendrix of the Hammond Organ, Lachy Doley is Australia’s most celebrated Blues Soul Rock Organ Player in the world today. A player who can pump, pamper and occasionally pound the most unbelievable sounds from a keyboard: sounds that are intense, ferocious and sometimes transcendent.
“If you haven’t noticed, I’m a big fan of Lachy Doley.”
I was introduced to the Hammond B3 sound back in the mid 60’s by my friend Garry Kelba Sr. I was just a kid getting into music and a friend of mine took me to the old Rita Hotel in Welland where Garry was playing. Talking to Garry and listening to the awesome sounds he was pumping out of the Hammond made me a believer for life.
Since then many of my favourite bands had a B3 in the line up. Deep Purple, ELP, Yes, Greg Allman, The Zombies, James Brown, Booker T and the MG’s, and so many other great acts. All of these bands had a great influence on me and reinforced my love of the Hammond sound. I don’t want to dwell on the Hammond so much (I aready wrote a post about the B3) and want to direct my thoughts on Lachy Doley.
I had heard rumblings of this guy Lachy Doley and his band, from Australia who played a Hammond B3 and had a Clavinet that he modified by adding a Whammy Bar.
The mod had been around for awhile (The Castle Bar mod, invented by Buddy Castle) but very few exist and even fewer are played with the intensity of Lachy Doley.
Not to say there were no other great Whammy Clav players in years gone by. The one that comes to mind is the legendary George Duke (RIP) but now Lachy rules the day.
“If music storms existed on this planet, it might as well be Lachy Doley’s vocals and fiery instrumental performances you hear pulsating from cloud to cloud amidst flashes of lightning and claps of thunder”
HEIDI LEIGH AXTON – Rhythms Magazine
My son called me one night and mentioned he had gone to see Lachy Doley at a small club, in Hamilton or Toronto, can’t remember for sure and how he sat right up close for the performance of the most awesome power trio he’s seen in a long time made up of Bass, Drums and Lachy on the Hammond and Clav.
I could tell he was blown away from the excitement in his voice. Ryan, (my son), is an accomplished musician and has played in a variety of bands since his pre teen years, and has enjoyed many of the greatest bands of our time. Just saying I respect his opinion.
I had heard some of Lachy’s music up to that point but did not actively seek out his material till after that review from Ryan.
I have been hooked ever since because he blows me away with all his offerings. His live performance videos are great. Each demonstrating what a great player and vocalist he is. His arrangements are fun and full of energy. He takes you for a ride that strokes you softly one moment and punches you in the gut the next.
The energy is infectious. Your body responds and moves uncontrollably, and it feels good.
The pandemic had some very positive results for some people and I believe that is the case for Lachy. During that period he put out the Studio 301 recordings. Every track is amazing. Using a big band and not just the trio with back up vocalists and presenting old and new material, this recording is wonderful. You can feel the energy in the room from every song. All the musicians are exceptional and infected with the energy spread by their Maestro.
I could go on and on and review each song, but I think I will leave that up to you.
Below I have posted the FULL SHOW (2021) – Live at the Studios 301
Watch it, and then you judge if I am stating the facts or am just a fan boy.
TURN IT UP AND ENJOY!!
The following is from a post by Lachy Doley on Facebook:
On April 21, 2021 (my 43rd B’day) I put on a very special show at Sydney’s iconic STUDIOS 301 whereby I invited 20 local fans to come and witness. I got together 13 of my favourite musicians/friends to create this dream lineup including a horn section, a vocal section and more. It was an unforgettable celebration spanning music from almost every album plus a few new ones. The concert turned out so amazing I decided to release it as an album.
You can purchase this album here on VINYL/CD or download at https://lachydoley.com/301 or Download my free best of album at https://lachydoley.com/freelp
- Lachy Doley – Hammond Organ, Whammy Clav, Lead Vocals
- Joel Burton – Bass
- Jackie Barnes – Drums, Backing Vocals
- Bek Jensen – Backing Vocals
- Juanita Tippens – Backing Vocals
- Ray Cassar – Trumpet
- Matt Keegan – Tenor Saxophone
- Anthony Kable – Trombone
- Andy Bickers – Baritone Saxophone
- Vincent Sebastion – Percussion
SPECIAL GUESTS
- Mahalia Barnes – Backing Vocals and Lead Vocals on ‘Love Come Around’
- Karen Lee Andrews – Lead Vocals on ‘Get It While You Can’
- Clayton Doley – Piano
- Franco Raggatt – Guitar
very lively and energetic!