Alphablues – O for Organ

The new episode of Alphablues, hosted by Paco, is now available as a podcast! This week, the show focuses on the Hammond organ — an iconic instrument that has left its mark on blues, jazz, soul, and rock.

Originally designed in the 1930s to replace church organs, it quickly moved out of chapels and into clubs, bars, and concert stages. The B3 model, introduced in 1955, became a benchmark. With its unique electromechanical system and the Leslie speaker cabinet often paired with it, the Hammond organ produces a versatile and powerful sound, shifting effortlessly from a spiritual tone to near-electric intensity.

Musicians such as Jimmy Smith, Booker T. Jones, and Jon Lord helped popularize it across genres like jazz, soul, blues, and rock. Their use of the instrument opened up new sonic territory, blending improvisation, groove, and expressiveness. In this episode, Paco revisits that history through music and also highlights today’s scene with the Roots Organ Trio (Read our article).

Tracks featured in this episode:

• Lucky Peterson – Jimmy Wants To Groove
• Booker T. & the MG’s – Green Onions
• Lachy Doley – Gimme Some Lovin’
• Paice Ashton Lord – Malice In Wonderland
• The Roots Organ Trio – The Secret Agent Woman

🎧 Listen to the episode

Alphablues S2 #15 O comme 0rgue – Alphablues