Jimmy's Walk - Barbara Dennerlein on Hammond B3

Barbara Dennerlein videos have now passed the 1,000,000 views mark on YouTube. This video is a thank you to all jazz, organ, and Barbara Dennerlein fans who have helped to spread the word.

As many of you know, this title was written by Barbara and dedicated to the late great Jimmy Smith. Although her playing was not influenced by Jimmy Smith, like all jazz lovers she is grateful to him for his contribution to organ jazz - his approach to soloing made modern jazz organ possible - during her concerts she often mentions this fact and praises Jimmy Smith.

Barbara and Jimmy first met when she was only 15 years old. She took part in an organ competition and Jimmy Smith was one of the judges. In an interview she described their first meeting:

BD: "I sat down and played something different, "On the Sunny Side of the Street" and suddenly I noticed someone came from behind me and he took my hair, I had very long hair, much longer than now, and he put it to the side, and then he sat down and he played with me. [laughs] So really, it was great.

AAJ: And you weren't expecting it at all?

BD: No, it was incredible of course, wonderful. And then people were so shocked about their decision—he played with me, the second place finalist. The third place finalist didn't even play again after that! [laughs] It was really funny, and afterwards we stayed in contact. And it was really nice, until he started to see me as a competitor."

Barbara still has great respect for Jimmy Smith's contribution to jazz and the Hammond organ as this composition demonstrates.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Barbara Dennerlein
• jazz
• organ
• Hammond B3
• Jimmy Smith

[leviatann]

She's excellent!

Does anybody know who's the amazing drummer accompanying her?

Great musical communication between both & great dynamics used so tastefully by both of them - superb musicians the two!

[hans1970]

Watch the video carefully, his name appears:

Daniel Messina, from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Google him on drummerworld

[muppetshow24]

Great drummer!!!!!

[t5o7m]

@PastTime777 at 4:53 I hear not a piano, --but a xylophone ...

[crosscoupled]

Don't thank us ,thank Barbra for stickin with them lessons instead of hangin out !!!!! I was working on an ARP Oddysey at a local studio many years ago when the studio owner commented that the Hammond was a "dead instrument nobody has interest in!"I'm so glad he was wrong on both counts.I personally love the mere mention of it and as a guitar player and audiophile of many,many years I will still turn it up whenever i hear that shimmering Hammond,Leslie sound anytime of the day or night.

[lintbing]

I've been playing the B3 for a while now and was never able to get a vibes or up right bass sound out if it, lol.

[TheGrodeck]

I love her

[fleurguy1938]

I used to catch Jimmy every chance I got but this gal is fantastic. Jimmy will be missed for sure but Barbara picks up right where he left off. Just wish I could see her live. There's NOTHING like a live performance.

[MKPesich]

Thanks God, Barbara found Jazz and Jazz found Barbara,...

[MKPesich]

Thanks God, Barbara found Jazz and Jazz found Barbara,...

[TheStampedehero]

It would be interesting to hear her play with Dave Samuels the xylophonist from Spyro Gyro. Audi should use her talents in commercials. I could visualize myself in an A8 with this track in my ears and my eyes on a road basking in the summer dusk.

[TheStampedehero]

I just discovered her. I wish I did long ago. She has the gift. Not many people can expand rhythm and melody into purity, in one stream, at once!

[macschomo]

@CAGED1702 They got paid from youtube. Looks more democratic... There are always 3.