Dr. Lonnie Smith, award-winning Hammond B-3 jazz organist, will make his debut at the Jazz Kitchen this Sunday. Smith is a visually magnetic performer with a neatly cropped beard, who wears a turban when he plays.

His career took off in the mid 1960s, when he teamed up with George Benson. Smith was a major force in soul jazz, recording classic albums with saxophonist Lou Donaldson for Bluenote Records. Smith has recorded more than 30 albums; his latest release is Jungle Soul. From 2003 to 2005, Smith was named Organ Keyboardist of the Year by the Jazz Journal Association. He has an affinity for rhythm and blues, and its artists. Early in his career he played and sang with various R&B groups.

Don’t miss this show.