Coming to the end of the "Jazz Organ Era"

[Soul Stream]

When I first got into Jazz B3 in the mid 90's, most all of the great practitioners were alive and well. And eventually I got to see, meet, hang and talk to many of the all-time greats. With the passing of Jimmy Smith, makes me think the golden age of the jazz organist is really coming down to the wire. There's only a few of the great originators left now, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Jimmy McGriff, Reuben Wilson, Melvin Rhyne and Trudy Pitts.

Gone since just the last couple of years are Jimmy Smith, Big John Patton, Brother Jack McDuff and Shirley Scott.

If you can, PLEASE get out and see one of these last remaining legends in person. Thank God for Lonnie Smith, or I'd be REALLY depressed right now.

Anybody else thankful?

[BFrank]

... and "the mighty burner", Charles Earland!

[Free For All]

I for one am in denial that the "Jazz Organ Era" is at its end. I refuse to accept that. But I play trombone and therefore in no way exist in reality, so what do I know?

[wesbed]

The jazz organ era is still cookin' in the hands of players such as Organissimo and Mike Flanigan. Some things come to an end while others start anew. It's the way of the world. I'm glad there are people who have the skill and the desire to keep the art alive.

I'm still here to enjoy and appreciate the music.

[Soul Stream]

... and "the mighty burner", Charles Earland!

So many have gone lately, that (unbelievabley) I left Charles Earland off the list. Amazing in a very, very sad way.

[Peter Johnson]

Full circle. Terribly sad that many of the greats have gone, but I have to think they'd be delighted at the legacy they've left and to know there are so many of you carrying the torch.

Damn, if I had a B-3 in the house I'd fire that baby up right now and play like nobody was listening...

[Soul Stream]

Oh yeah, forgot the great Johnny "Hammond" Smith passed away just a few years back as well. However, never did get a chance to see him. Would have loved that.

[Soul Stream]

The jazz organ era is still cookin' in the hands of players such as Organissimo and Mike Flanigan. Some things come to an end while others start anew. It's the way of the world. I'm glad there are people who have the skill and the desire to keep the art alive.

I'm still here to enjoy and appreciate the music.

As long as there is a Hammond organ left on this earth, there will be somebody trying to play like Jimmy Smith on it.