Jazz Lecture: The Hammond B3 Organ in Jazz

Tuesday July 15 - 7:00pm - Woodward Park Library

Join JazzFresno for free lecture and discussion about the unique and influential sound of the Hammond organ in jazz and beyond. The Hammond Company began production of electric organs in 1935 as a substitute for pipe organs and a replacement for pianos in middle class home, and for use by radio stations. Widely used at military chapels during World War II, soldiers familiar with Hammond organs contributed to the instrument's post war popularity. At the same time, many churches began purchasing the Hammond as an inexpensive organ option. With many musicians getting their start playing in church, they made the Hammond a fixture in black gospel groups, and took it along as they moved into blues, R&B and jazz.

The Hammond organ was “transplanted” into Jazz as Wild Bill Davis developed the organ trio; Jimmy Smith re-invented the use of the organ as an instrument for solo improvisation, and created what we now define as the "soul jazz" sound. In 1955, the famed "B-3" model hit the scene, finding talented young musicians to create broad, new musical directions for the instrument. With the organ in the hands of artists like Jack McDuff, Richard "Groove" Holmes, Charles Earland, Ray Charles, James Brown, Shirley Scott, Steve Winwood, Al Kooper, and in groups like Santana, Steppenwolf, and The Young Rascals, it developed diverse new listening audiences. It’s fair to say Laurens Hammond, the inventor of  Hammond Organs, will go down as the greatest “organ donor” of all time. The talk will be led by JazzFresno General Manager John Baker.

Woodward Park Regional Library - 944 E Perrin Ave - Fresno, CA 93720

JazzFresno wins People's Choice "Hidden Gem" honors from Fresno Bee

Tokyo Garden Jazz Jams

1st & 3rd Sundays of the Month at Tokyo Garden

For nearly five years, local jazz fans and musicians have had a home at one of Fresno's longtime restaurants and music venues, Tokyo Garden, located 1711 Fulton Street in downtown Fresno.  On the first Sunday of every month, local pianist and jazz educator Craig Von Berg hosts a jam session with his trio, featuring John Lauffenburger on bass and Brian Hamada on drums. On the third Sunday of the month, jazz guitarist and Director of Jazz Studies at Fresno City College, Mike Dana hosts the session, with his band. The sessions begin at 6:00pm.  

Jazz has always been a musical form passed on from musician to musician, and jam sessions have played a big role in the history of jazz. The story of virutally every major jazz musician almost always involves a jam session, as these are settings where musicians get to try out new ideas, and learn the language of jazz. Musicians of all levels are encouraged to participate, and should bring lead sheets (3) for the rhythm section. It's a fun, entertaining and educational experience, and a great way to get a taste of the local jazz scene.

Tokyo Garden's website...

Tower Mosaic Jazz Jams

2nd and 4th Sundays at Tower Mosaic

Become a member of JazzFresno

Help support the mission of JazzFresno by becoming a member today! Your support allows JazzFresno to preserve, promote, present and explore jazz in the Central San Joaquin Valley. If you love jazz, and want to see our jazz scene grow and thrive, now is the time to join. Download this PDF membership form, and send your donation to Jazz Fresno today:

Membership form - click here to download

Mission and Vision

Mission:

The mission of JazzFresno is to promote jazz in the Central San Joaquin Valley through education and performance.

Vision: 

JazzFresno envisions a Central San Joaquin Valley that appreciates and supports jazz.