Hammond B3 master Eddie Baccus Sr. returns to BOP STOP with guitarist Billy Artis and vocalist Ron Davis for a classic night of blues, soul, and jazz that will transport you back in time. Featuring:

• Eddie Baccus Sr.-Hammond B-3 Organ
• Cecil Rucker-vibes
• Billy Artis-guitar
• Perry Williams III-drums
• Ron Davis, voice

One of the senior statesman of the Cleveland Jazz Scene, organist Eddie Baccus Sr. has set the standard locally since the early 1960's. Like the late great Jimmy Smith, Baccus is a virtuoso on the Hammond B-3, equally adept at soul jazz and bebop. In many ways Eddie Baccus Sr. has been to the jazz scene what the late Robert Jr. Lockwood was to the local blues scene; he has been a leader, mentor, and the soul of the community for many years.

Early on his talent was evident as he was linked with another jazz legend, saxophonist Roland Kirk. Baccus and Kirk were schoolmates at the Ohio School of the Blind and their sessions together in the old Euclid and 105th area are the stuff of local legends. Kirk would go on to national acclaim before his untimely death in the late 70's. Baccus stayed close to home and it has been our good fortune.

Eddie Baccus Sr. has been a mentor to countless Cleveland jazz musicians, notably Joe Lovano, Ernie Krivda, and more recently his son, Eddie Baccus Jr. His work has only been documented infrequently. He recorded an LP with Kirk back in 1962 "Feel Real" on Smash records. His other recording is a session done with Lovano in the mid 1980's entitled "Hometown Sessions". Although he has not gone on to greater glory playing the national circuit, Eddie Baccus Sr. has been the bedrock of the Cleveland jazz scene and his influence on fans and musicians alike has been invaluable.

Joining Eddie Baccus Sr. for his appearance at BOP STOP will be an All-Star Cleveland lineup including Billy Artis on guitar who backed the late great Bill Doggett at the Theatrical in downtown Cleveland. Cecil Rucker from Good Vibes will be performing on the vibraphone. Perry Williams III is on drums. Perry is a veteran on the soul jazz circuit and has worked with Eddie Sr. and Cecil extensively.

This show will feature the vocal stylings of Ron Davis. Ron Davis was born in Cleveland, Ohio, July 21, 1947. Ronald's parents loved jazz along with his uncle Willie and every Friday night they would listen to records. At an early age Ron heard recordings from Billy Eckstine, Nat Cole, Duke Ellington, Ella, Dinah Washington," By the age of 10, he knew he would eventually be involved in music.

Ron Davis has performed with Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes and Clifford Davis. He has worked with the Melting Pot Jazz Orchestra, The Edna Duffy Dance Troupe, the Eddie Baccus Quartet, Gabriel's Horns, closed out the 2015 Cleveland Tri-C Jazz Fest.

He is also active fronting his own ensemble and with his own radio show on WKHR 91.5 FM. Davis amaintains a long association with the Cleveland TOPS Swingband as a singer and Director of Marketing.

"Davis' huge voice has a wonderful dark resonance, deployed with the savvy experience of age, but with the flexibility that sounds youthful. Davis proved he could move his rich voice with agility in songs like Kansas City, and then let it unfurl in all its glorious sound in Storm Weather."
-Mark S. Jordan, Mount Vernon News

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3NDlWQ7R3k

Don't miss Hammond B-3 wizard Eddie Baccus Sr. Quartet live at BOP STOP!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2nU1hZH0uY