Quick, think of a jazz instrument. What is it? Chances are you might have a mental picture of a saxophone, trumpet, or drums. Or even a piano. But that black and white keyboard’s kissin’ cousin, the organ (if thought of at all) is probably way down the list. After all, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and Thelonious Monk are far better known names than Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, or Richard Holmes.
Royal Potato Family album cover
Musician Robert Walter—skilled at playing all sorts of electric organs and keyboards like the Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer, Hammond B3 organ, Clavinet, and Mini Moog—certainly feels that way. He thinks it just comes down to perception.