Jazz Organ Blues

While early players such as Fats Waller and the deep influence of gospel traditions helped establish the instrument’s place in jazz, its defining moment came in the 1950s. With his electrifying command of the Hammond B-3, Jimmy Smith transformed the organ from a fringe curiosity into one of jazz’s most recognizable voices. This evolution is at the center of the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra’s program, Jazz Organ Blues, which explores the sound that grew from these roots—blending blues, swing, and hard bop into a style that remains a vital part of the jazz tradition.

Join the CJRO Trio as Artistic Director Drew Zaremba takes his seat at the B-3 organ, honoring the tradition shaped by artists such as Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff, and Shirley Scott, and other jazz greats. Joining Drew are front-range jazz veterans Steve Kovalcheck on guitar, and Jim White on drums. This concert explores the blues-based sound that established the B-3 organ as a central voice in jazz, and highlights the connection between gospel roots, swing, and the blues. Joining the groove is CJRO favorite Tatiana LadyMay Mayfield, bringing her unmistakable soul and sound to the stage.