Yep, I love all that old big band stuff. "On my Way and Shoutin' Again" by Count Basie was a favourite.
Tying in big band with organ, being that some of us come from an organ background, it doesn't come any better than some of Jimmy Smith's albums on Verve. "Walk on the Wild Side", "The Cat", etc. In my book they're essential listening for keyboard players with a love for big band music.
The beauty of an arranger keyboard, is that we can combine very realistic Hammond-esque sounds with Big Band styles, hence giving the impression of an organist playing with a Big Band.
Even if we can't quite play to Jimmy Smith's level ( I know I can't), the arranger still allows us far more options than playing a
traditional Acoustic piano, Rhodes...even the revered B-3.
I got turned on to Jimmy Smith in my early 20's...it was an ear-opener for me, and the start of looking for that "sound".
Were you a Hammond enthusiast, 124?
Ian
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