Night School #226: Louis Pain

Tonight on Night School, I am delighted to be joined by the organist and bandleader, Louis Pain. Know for his work backing Albina heavyweights such as Mel Brown, Linda Hornbuckle, and "Sweet Baby" James Benton, Louis Pain should also be known as Portland's ambassador of the soul-jazz genre. This music, often recognized as instrumental organ combo interpretations of popular music, gained traction in the early 1960s. Albina groups such as Billy Larkin & The Delegates made a splash on the National scene performing soul-jazz. In many ways, much is owed to Louis Pain for carrying on this musical tradition locally, harnessing the power of the Hammond organ while accompanying players like Mel Brown performing the music of their youth. 

But it doesn't stop there. Having relocated to Portland from the Bay area in the mid-1980s, Louis Pain had already made waves performing with members of Tower Of Power, Santana, and the Doobie Brothers. He backed vocalist Dorothy Combs Morrison, known to many for her feature on blockbuster gospel cut "Oh Happy Day" with the Edwin Hawkins Singers. He even played with Eugene Blacknell & The New Breed! The man's pre-history is fascinating. Tune in this evening as we go deep into the vaults with Louis Pain. We'll also preview his forthcoming record, "It's About Time!"