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Top 10 Jazz Organ Trios
Jazz organist Pat Bianchi focuses on the dynamic between the guitarist and the organist to provide the ‘Top 10 Jazz Organ Trios’.
As a devout student (and practitioner) of Jazz Organ, I have immersed myself in countless recordings and watched just as many videos of the partnership of Hammond organ and guitar in action (as well as having been right in the middle of the action on stage night after night).
This “match made in heaven” has always been as a symbiotic one, both sonically and rhythmically.
There is a popular misconception that an organist solos with their right plays chords with the left “kick” baselines with their feet. In most instances, this is actually not true as they play bass with their left hand while using the bass pedals for accents. In fact, it is the guitarist who fills the harmonic and rhythmic gaps (or comps) for the organist and when it is time for the guitarist to solo, the organist then provides the same support for the guitarist.
I consider myself especially lucky (and honored) that I was able to spend 8 years on the bandstand with the legendary Pat Martino. Being a member of his trio provided me with so many lessons both in music and life. Over the years I have been very fortunate to also work with an amazing array of jazz guitarists including Paul Bollenback, Mark Whitfield, Sheryl Bailey, Chuck Loeb, Pete Bernstein, Dave Stryker, and Randy Johnston among many others.
When Bob Bakert asked me to put together my ‘top 10” list of favorite organ trio’s, I decided to really focus on the dynamic between the guitarist and organist.
It was a little tricky at first because there are so many great organists and guitarists to choose from. This list, which is not in a specific order, highlights an organist and guitarist along with a recording that really stuck out to me. These recordings and musicians became very influential in my musical journey…
TOP 10 JAZZ ORGAN TRIOS
Larry Young/Grant Green
Into Somethin’ – Blue Note Records. perfect match up. Swingin, melodic, and both very complementary to each other playing. All original compositions on this recording, most have become “standards.” You can hear Young starting to stretch more harmonically and Grant Green provides a solid backdrop for this to happen.
Joey DeFrancesco/Paul Bollenback
Snapshot – Highnote Records. one of my favorites, period. There is so much depth in their rhythm and harmony. The amount of interplay is incredible, of course after playing together over 20 years, you’d expect nothing less. Everyone is at the top of their game and they continue to raise the bar for all.
Melvin Rhyne/Wes Montgomery
Boss Guitar – Riverside Records. Mel Rhyne uses different sounds on the B3 and it works perfectly with Wes Montgomery’s sound in my opinion. My favorite tracks would be “Dearly Beloved” and “Besame Mucho”
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Jack McDuff/George Benson
Live – Prestige Records. If I remember correctly George Benson was 18 or 19 when he joined McDuff’s band. Everyone is on fire, swinging hard and so greasy from beginning to end. It goes without saying Jack McDuff and George Benson are first class all the way.
Don Patterson/Pat Martino
Don Patterson Legends of Acid Jazz Vol 2. This is a compilation and reissue of Don’s various recordings. Don Patterson and Pat Martino together is truly a match made in heaven. Their bebop lines, rhythmic comping, and relentless intensity were unmatched. I would give anything to hear these two together live.
Jan Hammer/John Abercrombie
Timeless – ECM Records. Along with Tony ‘ “Lifetime” band, which featured Larry Young on organ, John Abercrombie’s 1975 release “Timeless” demonstrates how the organ and guitar complement each other in different genres. This recording is considered more fusion and not straight ahead. Everyone is pushing the envelope for sure!
Larry Goldings/Peter Bernstein
As One – Palmetto Records. The chemistry between these two has always been a special one. They always get their musical point across while never wasting a note. Obviously, there is a trust these two musicians share which allows them to take the music anywhere they want to with ease.
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Jimmy Smith/Kenny Burrell
Organ Grinders Swing – Verve Records. Thought of by many as “THE” organ trio record. These musicians set the bar for all organ trios in my opinion. There was a musical “yin-yang” between Smith and Burrell therefore it works perfectly and their playing truly complimented each other.
Dr. Lonnie Smith/Jonathan Kreisberg
All In My Mind – Blue Note Records. Dr. Lonnie Smith has always pushed the boundaries of the Hammond organ. When he brought Jonathan Kreisberg into his trio, that widened the palette of this group. Both are very sensitive to the sonic possibilities creating almost hypnotic vibes. The sense of dynamics and of course their impeccable timing takes everything to another level.
Charles Earland/Melvin Sparks
Cookin With The Mighty Burner – High Note Records. There was a reason Earland was called the mighty burner and to my ears, Melvin Sparks matches him in every way. The intent, drive, and sheer power both of these musicians bring to the bandstand elevates everyone around them.
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