That Dirty Thang (2008)

This short film recounts a few late night interviews and performances in Shanghai, China with Organist Bill Heid and Drummer Al Gordon. It showcases their talents and pays re- spect to the masters of the jazz organ genre. Bill and Al grew up in Pittsburgh which was a mecca for jazz organ groups in the 60's. They met in Shanghai with a whole lot in common and often re- called one of the country's greatest organ clubs located in Pittsburgh by the name of "The Hurricane Bar". Lo- cated in Pittsburgh's Hill District, " The Hurricane" was a fire-engine red club with the mighty Hammond organ in a loft above the bar. The club nightly featured Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, Jimmy McGriff, Lonnie Smith, Don Patterson, and all the great organ cats with some of the baddest organ drummers on the planet namely Joe Dukes, Ben Dixon, Randy Gelispie, and Billy James. Loud clothing, hipsters and soul food with names like 'Shack Fried Chicken' and 'Brazilian Fried Shrimp' were as much a part of The Hurricane as the music. Bill Heid and Al Gordon's nightly ses- sions playing and talking about the music they call "That Dirty Thang" is a unique look into the jazz organ group of today.