The Jazz Organ Scene

USA

February 2005 click here to read his story!

Seleno Clarke Seleno Clarke began his mastery of the Hammond B-3 with its plugged in gospel feeling in the early 60's when organ ensembles were the rage, and pumped up soul jazz reverberated in the best Harlem clubs. Raised in the Washington D.C. and the Maryland area, Seleno first learned music from this grandfather, a professor at Lincoln University. Following this studies at Carver College where he focused on playing alto and tenor saxophone he decided to move to New York. In the 60s he made his living playing saxophone in all the clubs in the Harlem loop (including the Apollo) and downtown. Seleno and Kenny Dorham were two of the last artist to play the famous Minton's Playhouse.   Throughout his career, Seleno's magnetism as a leader and entertainer has drawn many upcoming artists to play with him. Legends like the late Grant Green and stars like George Benson have also appeared frequently as special guests with Seleno's bands. The long list of other players who have played with him also includes Melvin Sparks, Jimmy Ponder, Jessie Hameen, Mark Whitfield and Russell Malone.   Seleno toured with various exciting ensembles. For example, in October 1996 when he brought his quintet to The Cork Jazz Festival in Ireland, Seleno's group was one of the most critically acclaimed. And it was George Benson who produced Seleno's quintet CD, "Diversity".   Seleno passed away on December 2017.

	"Memphis Boogaloo", from the single "Soulful Drop" 02:36 - 1,221kB
	"Soulful Drop", from the single "Soulful Drop" 02:40 - 1,259kB
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