Killer Bs Study Guide
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This episode celebrates the wonderful Hammond B3 organ and its role in jazz. Many of the legends who shaped the organ’s place within the jazz landscape are also discussed including the legendary B3 master, Jimmy Smith. B3 prodigy Joey DeFrancesco talks about his relationship with the instrument and with NEA Jazz Master, Jimmy Smith. Dr. Lonnie Smith, a 45-year B3 veteran, discusses those legendary days on the “chittlin’ circuit,” and both provide lively insight about the part they play in the current global resurgence of the “Killer B.” The program also includes three wonderful performances including Dr. Smith’s’ swinging rendition of Duke Ellington and Juan Tizol’s “Caravan”, Joey’s burning version of the Jimmy Smith song, “Blues for Bobby C,” and a swinging duet on the jazz standard, “Someday My Prince Will Come”. In the words of Ramsey Lewis, “these two burn the studio down…” Click here to learn more about these great artists and explore our educational activities and resources.
1 - The Killer Bs LegendsThe Hammond B3 organ is a true American original. For more than 70 years the Hammond B3 organ has been right at home everywhere from its place in the church to its role on the chitterlin’ circuit, and of course jazz clubs everywhere. This episode will showcase the many legends that made the B3 organ a staple instrument among the jazz landscape. Legends highlighted will include Wild Bill Davis, the eminent Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff, the queen Shirley Scott, Jack McDuff, Larry Young, Charles Earland, Richard “Groove” Holmes, Reuben Wilson, Charles Kynard, Big John Patton, and the swinging Johnny “Hammond” Smith. |
2 - Dr. Lonnie SmithAll about Dr. Lonnie Smith |
3 - Joey DeFrancescoAll about Joey DeFrancesco |
4 - Guests' Media-ographyDiscography, Bibliography, and Videography |
5 - The Killer Bs QuizAfter you view The Killer Bs episode, click here to take the quiz. |
6 - Quiz AnswersAnswers to the Questions |

