George Melvin

BIO
George Melvin began his professional career at 18 years of age, playing his Hammond B-3 organ both nationally and internationally with The Moments, as well as for other R&B groups with All Platinum Studios in Englewood Cliffs, NJ. During his years in the NYC and New Jersey area he was mentored by B-3 organ jazzmaster Richard "Groove" Holmes, and he became a very skilled B-3 jazz organist. However, with the advent of more portable electronic instruments during the late 60's, demand for the B-3 organ began to wane, and he moved his performances to piano and keyboards.

Over the course of his professional career, George Melvin has been employed as a R&B group performer, a house musician for a recording company, a house musician for several upscale hotels, resorts and restaurants, and an international corporate hotel house musician and troubleshooter, prior to becoming a self-employed free-lance musician. Over the years, George Melvin has performed with a large number of well-known name entertainers, either as a member of their bands or as the "host musician" when they performed at venues where he was employed. Pearl Bailey, Dean Martin, Toots Thieleman, Al Hurt, Grant Green, Miles, Davis, Dexter Gordon, Johnny Cash, Charlie Daniels, Ray Charles, Teddy Pendergrass, Nat Reeves and many others have influence both his style and his repertoire. Other musicians whom he had opportunity to meet and spend some time with, such as Count Basie and Oscar Peterson, have impacted his musical and professional philosophy.

George Melvin's repertoire easily exceeds 1000 tunes, which are primarily straight-ahead jazz and swing, R&B, and popular "easy listening tune"s from the thirties to the present. His broad performance venues have required him to also maintain a smaller repertoire of Broadway music, film themes and country tunes. He also has a strong background in gospel music, as well as a repertoire of the classical and secular tunes which are frequently requested for weddings. (See Songlist.) His years of entertaining in a broad spectrum of venues have given him the ability to "read" his audience response and to select his play list from music that pleases his listeners.

A natural ear and quick ability to both transpose keys and compose at will make him a favorite with vocalists, as these things enable him to create music around vocalists, even as they sing tunes which may be unfamiliar to him. Both amateur and professional swing and ballroom dancers have praised his sound, and greatly enjoy dancing when he performs.

George Melvin is a native of Lynchburg, VA, and currently resides in Charlottesville, VA with his wife. He volunteers a portion of his time to playing for various schools, charitable events and Senior Citizens' facilities.
DISCOGRAPHY
1995 George Melvin: Live from the Boar's Head Inn
This album contains ten tunes: five standard tunes and five originals (noted *). Recorded live at the BHI Terrace Lounge in 1995, it was digitally remastered at Major Studio in Waynesboro to give the finest quality of sound. In this recording George provides what we call his "multiple piece sound", supported by a drummer, Phil Riddle. The "MPS" is grand piano augmented with two keyboards to provide other instrumental voices such as upright bass, guitar, horns, vibes.
Autumn Leaves - *Coleo - *Alfreda Smiles - *Oliver's Song -
*Borboleto - *Bitzy's Chant - Bluesette - Stormy Weather -
If I Had You - Paper Moon
1996 Blue Indigo: Catwalk
This album features George Melvin playing classically styled jazz on the Hammond B-3 organ with the jazz quartet known as Blue Indigo. The ten tunes are delightful original compositions by Sal Soghoian, the group's guitarist. The album also features the talents of drummer Phil Riddle and saxophonist Jeff Decker.
Wessin' It - Blues for Lois - When Will You Ever Love Me? - George's Blues -
Catwalk - Goodbye Lady Rain - That's Why They Call Him Mr. Jones -
Oreo Con Brio - The Hang - On and On
2001 George Melvin: Love Notes
This is George's first recording using the equipment in his home recording studio, and it is of a comparable sound quality with those recorded in professional studios. The music is produced using a Kurzweil Mark 110 Electronic Piano, which provides unparalleled realistic sound in its electronic instrumental voices and rhythms. By overlaying several recording passes, George is able to individually provide the effect of a full orchestra. This album was released before Valentine's Day, includes only standard love ballads, and is a perfect romantic gift.
When I Fall In Love - Second Time Around - Time After Time -
My Funny Valentine - Accustomed to Her Face - Evergreen -
Almost Like Being In Love - And I Love You So - All The Way -
Slow Boat to China - I Love You for Sentimental Reasons - *Alfreda Smiles
2001 George Melvin: Reflections
Released mid-year 2001, this longer album again features both standard and original (*) tunes. It was recorded in the Lady L Productions studio, using the Kurzweil Mark 110 electronic piano for both instrumental voices and rhythms.
*Blue Ridge Safari - Stella By Starlight - *Saturday Morning in New York -
How About You? - *Rainy Day on the Mall - I've Got a Crush on You -
All the Way - Tea for Two - *Olivier - But Not for Me -
My Funny Valentine - I Remember April - The Nearness of You
2002 George Melvin: Smooth
Released early in 2002, this album contains both standard and original (*) tunes, again featuring the Kurzweil 110 piano. Some of the standard tunes are more contemporary in source, but the overall tone of the album is warm and. well, smooth!
Stop, Look & Listen - Going Out of My Head - *Come With Me - *Tippin Out -
*Nieama - The Look Of Love - Lately - Ribbons In the Sky -
Masquerade - *Rainy Days - I Love You for Sentimental Reasons
2002 George Melvin: Happy Holly-days!
Everyone has his or her favorite holiday song - these are some of the most often requested ones during holiday time. With any luck, yours will be on this list!
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow! - I'll Be Home For Christmas -
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Jingle Bells -
Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer - The Christmas Song -
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas -
Gloria! - Silent Night - We Three Kings - We Wish You A Merry Christmas!
2003 George Melvin: It's Very Clear
There are so many wonderful love ballads, and Valentine's Day begs a new recording of some of them. These are also done using the Kurzweil 110 piano's exceptional group of instrumental and percussion voices.
Love is Here To Stay - I'm In The Mood For Love - I've Got A Crush On You -
Who Can I Turn To? - L-O-V-E - The Way You Look Tonight - That's All - My Funny Valentine -
What Will I Do? - Someone To Watch Over Me
Contact information:
George W. Melvin, Keyboard Artist
Lady L Productions -
2752 Hydraulic Road - Phone/Fax: (434) 975-0197
Charlottesville, VA, 22901 - email: GeorgeMelvin mac.com
George's Page