Jazz Organ Collective

One of the most exciting things I have been involved with is a group that I've put together, called Jazz Organ Collective.

What is 'jazz organ'?

Historically it is the use of the Hammond B3 organ in the use of jazz. The standard trio consists of organ, guitar and drums. Expanded, it could include sax, trumpet or even trombone. This was how Jimmy Smith intended for jazz organ to express itself in the 50s. It was continued by Jimmy McGriff, Jack McDuff, Larry Young and many others.

I had in mind a couple of things that I wanted Jazz Organ Collective to be. Of course I wanted it to be a vehicle to pay respects to the jazz organ legends, and teach a little bit about what jazz organ is all about here in Arkansas. I also wanted it to be made up of a community of a variety of different musicians, each who would share their individual sound with the group. That's why it's not called The Brian Hamby Jazz Organ Group...it's intended to showcase everyone and what they bring.

Jazz Organ Collective in Arkansas began with Tyler Weaver, calling me for a gig. A drummer was needed, and we went right to Scott Southern, a solid versatile drummer and fun guy. We did a few gigs together over a period of some time, very casual development, nothing forced.

Then, towards the end of 2016, I had the idea to step it up a notch. Joining Tyler, Scott and myself, we reached out to Nancy Carlton, a singer/actor in the area. Then we added Dave Willliams II, a respected and versatile sax man here. This formed the nucleus of the band, and we booked a gig at Hot Springs Village Coronado Center. I invited my mom, cellist Mardell Hamby, and my piano student, Drew Murray round us out. Drew is a 10th grader at Catholic Boys High School who plays piano in the school jazz band, and clarinet and piano in the school concert band. He also sings in the choir, and studies Classical Organ. He also plays for the Catholic Church in Benton.

So we did the show and it went very well. Here is a video featuring Nancy, Dave, Tyler, Scott and myself:

Dream a Little Dream

Pleased with the results, we self recorded 3 demos with Dave, Scott, Nancy and myself:

Beginning To See The Light
Besame Mucho
Dream A Little Dream Of Me

So we are off and running!

Jazz Organ Collective.

Hear more Jazz Organ Collective and other Brian Jazz Organ sounds.

See more www.b3hamby.com








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