Jazz and Gospel on the Hammond Organ
Berklee College of Music professor Dave Limina presents a workshop on the history, inner workings, and musical applications of the Hammond organ since it first appeared in 1935.
The electro-mechanical technology of the Hammond organ remains unique in electronic music. This presentation covers Hammond tone production, the original intent to offer a cost-effective alternative to pipe organs and theater organs, and how the technology reflects pipe organ design and nomenclature; it also addresses the irony of Laurens Hammond’s intent to not market to professional contemporary musicians, given their role in his instruments’ enduring use and popularity. The presentation includes demonstrations of specific sounds and their uses in distinct musical styles, and an explanation of how Hammond drawbar settings and Leslie speaker settings combine to make popular Hammond sounds.
Dave Limina
Dave Limina is assistant professor in the piano department at the Berklee College of Music, where he received the Most Valuable Contribution to the Performance Curriculum Award in 2001 for his work in creating and developing the school’s Hammond organ program. He is the author of Hammond Organ Complete (Berklee Press) and the instructional DVD Accelerate Your Keyboard Playing (Rittor Music). An experienced session keyboardist, composer, and arranger, he has performed with Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters, Lori McKenna, Duke Robillard, Paula Cole, Mark Murphy, Robert Lee Castleman, and the first national touring company of the Broadway musical Rent. He received Boston Music Award nominations for his work with Courage Brothers, Ronnie Earl, and Mighty Sam McClain, and played keyboards on Michelle Willson’s Boston Music Award-winning Wake Up Call. He does extensive session work in Boston and New York, featuring his piano, Hammond organ, and vintage keyboard playing.