Trio featuring Lou Bennett (B-3 organ), Phil Harris (bass), and Hilton Brooks (drums), later adding Earl Omaro (bongos). Bennett, a world-renowned jazz organist, moved to Baltimore from Philadelphia in the early ‘50s and joined the Variatones – which became known as the Hammond-Tones. They could be heard at the Red Fox Lounge, and as house band at the Coronet Club ‘54-55, also seen at Tillie’s, and Rictor’s Red Room in the mid-’50s. Dubbed ‘Mr. Hammond organ’, Lou & his Trio were best known in Baltimore as the Carnival Club house band for 4 years. Guitarists Gene Edwards, and Bunky Rogers also played for Bennett’s groups.
After leaving Baltimore in 1960 Bennett traveled to France where he toured with Kenny Clarke and Jimmy Gourley. Wilson went on to work with such major recording stars as Arthur Alexander, Jimmy Soul, and Gene Ammons.
