Raphael Wressnig is not your ordinary B-3 organ player. He confidently brings out the inherent pyrotechnic power and mightiness of the large B-3 console, and he is proud of his role in performing what he calls “organ-heavy soul & funk.” The majestic instrument, the Hammond organ, replaces the singer and plays the leads, while its bass register locks in with the drums and carries the band. Wressnig concocts exciting mixed-genre music from his fervid imagination. His fluency in soul, funk, jazz, and blues has garnered him the attention of an international claque of critics and multiple nominations over the past decade for both the DownBeat Critics and Readers Polls as “Best Organ Player of the Year.”

From New Orleans-style funk to soul and rhythm & blues, Wressnig’s percussive and greasy Hammond sounds conjure dynamic, high-voltage music. Old-school and new-school rendezvous in his style and sound, combining authentic soul and deep blues with a contemporary funk edge for a unique listening experience. Together with his group, Soul Gift, he showcases the vibrant potential of soul, blues and funk in a modern world, giving the audience a fresh take on these classic genres. Raw and hard-hitting, the nucleus of the band features the skills of celebrated guitarist Enrico Crivellaro and drummer Eric Cisbani, with the frequent addition of powerhouse vocalists Donniele Graves or Gisele Jackson.

There are about 20 albums in his catalog including two live records and highlights such as Soul Gumbo or Chicken Burrito. Soul Gumbo was recorded in New Orleans and features prominent luminaries from the Crescent City like Grammy winner Jon Cleary, George Porter, Jr. (The Meters), drummer Stanton Moore and R&B legend Walter “Wolfman” Washington. Chicken Burrito is a tour de force in groove, featuring longtime collaborator Alex Schultz on guitar and legendary funk drummer James Gadson. “The trio moves with virtuosic ease while the groove never stops.” (DownBeat Magazine)

"Oh yes, Raphael plays a dynamic brand of B-3, his passion commensurate with his technique and his creative intelligence. He's a high-voltage dynamo but also a musician of surprising delicacy and self-reflection. Call him one of the finest soul/jazz/blues B-3 operators anywhere."

(DownBeat Magazine)