Merl Saunders, keyboardist, dies at 74

Toast-n-Jammers: We are sad to report that keyboardist Merl Saunders died last week at age 74. Known to any Jerry Garcia fan as “that funky-ass keyboardist from Legion of Mary,” Saunders typically worked a Hammond B3 organ (oft-favored by R&B/Blues players) and can be heard on many fine recordings with and without Uncle Jer.

Merl seemed to like resurrecting dusty old soul numbers in the same way Jerry seemed to like reviving old bluegrass tunes. Carrying on their legacy by playing them, yes, but giving them a new spin as well. And we were usually happy to spin along with 'em.

My first exposure to Merl’s slinky organ grinding was a 5/21/75 bootleg from the Keystone in Berkeley. Still love that “I Feel like Dynamite.” Other faves over the years include Merl’s versions of the Sun Records classic “Mystery Train,” Stevie Wonder’s “I Was Made to Love Her” and “Creepin’,” Little Milton's "That's What Love Will Make You Do," as well as the Merl originals “Keepers” and ”Wondering Why.”

You KNOW we're gonna have to throw down a Merl tribute on the show this Wednesday – be listening! God bless you, Merl, on your trip back to the source of all things. Thank you for all the tasty grooves.

~ Christoker Diestler

If you plan to be in the bay area, the service is Wednesday as well. Here’s the official link:

http://www.merlsaunders.com/

And for the most up-to-date (though, by it’s nature, possibly specious) information:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merl_Saunders

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