I Hear The Sound…of Jazz Organ

I love jazz history. I also love the sound of a Hammond B3 organ.

And I love playing one too!

I and probably many of you first experienced the unmistakable sound of this legendary instrument in church. The piercing wails that make you jump or the soothing tones that evoke all kinds of emotions are unforgettable and always recognizable.

A quick venture into the past. In the beginning, traditional pipe and theater-style organs ruled the organ universe. However, an organ revolution began when Laurens Hammond introduced the electric Model A organ in 1935. This revolution escalated in 1955 with the first Model B3, which remained in production until 1975. Today, the Hammond B3 (or one of its “A” or “C” cousins) reigns as King of Organs for jazz, gospel, blues and rock organists. Matter of fact, you can hear the Hammond sound in pretty much ANY popular music genre. Coupled with a Leslie cabinet and its rotating horn and bass speakers, that sound (and I mean “THAT SOUND”) is like no other, and even the best electronic simulations on the market are no match.

Fats Waller, the son of a Baptist preacher, is considered by many to be the pioneer of Jazz organists. His early recordings feature him playing a custom Estey pipe organ, and for several years he was the theater organist at New York’s Lincoln Theater where he accompanied silent films and soloed during intermission. Taste a sample of Mr. Waller here. Most of us, however, are familiar with jazz organ giants such as Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, Jimmy McGriff, Richard “Groove” Holmes, “Dr.” Lonnie Smith, and the barefoot-pedalin’ Rhoda Scott. Many more jazz organists are mentioned here.

Fast forward to the present. Check out the sweet cuts from Deep Blue Organ Trio’s latest CD release (as of August 16, 2011), “Wonderful.” This chart-topping homage to Stevie Wonder is a must-buy! These cats from Chicago – Chris Foreman, Bobby Broom, and Greg Rockingham – celebrate the Black American music experience through the classic jazz combo configuration of B3 organ, guitar, and drums. Please – visit them on their website, and show some love by liking them on Facebook!

And did I mention buy their CD? Let me help you out!

Well, enough for now…I’m sure at this point you’re shouting, “Hit the road, Zach!”[http://youtu.be/VGn-FBxsLn0] .

Namaste,
Zach B

PS: I play the organ in my socks.