Jimmy's Walk - Barbara Dennerlein on Hammond B3

Barbara Dennerlein videos have now passed the 1,000,000 views mark on KZbin. This video is a thank you to all jazz, organ, and Barbara Dennerlein fans who have helped to spread the word.
As many of you know, this title was written by Barbara and dedicated to the late great Jimmy Smith. Although her playing was not influenced by Jimmy Smith, like all jazz lovers she is grateful to him for his contribution to organ jazz - his approach to soloing made modern jazz organ possible - during her concerts she often mentions this fact and praises Jimmy Smith.
Barbara and Jimmy first met when she was only 15 years old. She took part in an organ competition and Jimmy Smith was one of the judges. In an interview she described their first meeting:
BD: "I sat down and played something different, "On the Sunny Side of the Street" and suddenly I noticed someone came from behind me and he took my hair, I had very long hair, much longer than now, and he put it to the side, and then he sat down and he played with me. [laughs] So really, it was great.
AAJ: And you weren't expecting it at all?
BD: No, it was incredible of course, wonderful. And then people were so shocked about their decision-he played with me, the second place finalist. The third place finalist didn't even play again after that! [laughs] It was really funny, and afterwards we stayed in contact. And it was really nice, until he started to see me as a competitor."
Barbara still has great respect for Jimmy Smith's contribution to jazz and the Hammond organ as this composition demonstrates.

[@Moguiman]

She's three musicians in one! Her left foot is an amazing bass player - always in the pocket. The left hand is an incredible full rhythm section, and the right hand is a peerless, melodic solo instrument with such soulfulness.

[@Marcus_C51]

Yes, I first saw her on KZbin about 15 years ago and it was completely stunning to see her play pedals better than I've ever seen anyone! You have totally correct, her comp hand is totally fantastic and we know about her right hand! She is a phenomenal treasure for us Hammond B3 fans worldwide! ! Love the vibes patch solo and the bass solo completely floored me too. Drummer is top notch as well.

[@R.L.KRANESCHRADTT]

I'm a musician, bass player, with experience and a good ear... I just assumed she had a bass player until the close up of her feet😲😲 I've seen good players... but she's truly amazing on the pedals.

[@chopsddy3]

Quadridexterous.

[@juancarlosdelacruzzepeda6060]

I am totally agree with you! She is a very good/excellent Bass Player...Have my best regards from Los Mochis, Sinaloa, México!

[@eelamite]

can you list a few jazzers who do foot bass? i'm sorta new to this stuff @@chopholtz4950

[@davidkennedy4561]

@@eelamite Mike Reed on his Hammond organ. An old pro. Great stuff he plays too. You'll find him on youtube.

[@user-cs7ey4np9r]

No she doesn't have a bass playing with her she's used the organ padel for the bass guitar you think there's a bass player jamming with her

[@DrCrabfingers]

Off rhythm and off chord playing at the same time...whilst her beautiful left foot skips over the bass pedals keeping perfect time...and then back into the groove...awesome playing!! What an amazing musician...she is a total joy for the ears and eyes...

[@DrCrabfingers]

Damn...that bass solo! Ha!! Wow!!!

[@markh12891]

I love the way she smiles at 8m19s when the drums resumes - it's like an unseen reconnection.

[@groki30]

Absolutely love this lady - so so inspiring - have watched this clip so many times now. Thanks Barbara

[@harseybaber]

Blisteringly beautiful and swinging!!!!!!

[@CW-kh2jd]

Great to watch the interraction between these fine musicians!

[@daniworldband]

Thank You!! Daniel

[@nigelbeaumont1109]

The undisputed BEST.❤️

[@harryswidthamateurmusician2185]

Me ha encantado, gracias.

[@cjbarber4819]

superb if not even superior einfach wunderbar

[@Funkyjazzomatic]

PFFFF..... this lady is the perfection....Too late Barbara i'm in love with you... :)

[@kentown101]

Nice B3 and MIDI synth/sampled bass & vibes. Great playing.

[@walter.tartaglia9574]

Bravissima Barbara . Dall'Italia.

[@ruebug3663]

Very nice!

[@francisk7305]

Super !

[@bellonifrancesco4979]

fantastica

[@nausicaaish]

super swing beau phrasé belle impro ....super.....

[@jacquelinebrard5626]

Super!

[@derekharper-smith5085]

What can you say about this swinging sound, and proper pedals, not like some who play the bass line on lower manual.

[@dkd1228]

JOS developed the left-hand bass style in conjunction with pedals to get around the deficiencies of the pedal section of the instrument. You can't really get the normal console Hammond pedals to swing like this, hence left-hand bass. I appreciate the modern MIDI embellishment of the pedals.

[@rev.newtonhinckley3455]

For the jazz world this woman is so special that words cannot express her effect on the amount of talent she possess!!

[@nemo227]

Every bass player wants to play a solid bass line that fits . . . and Barbara does it with mostly her left foot. My admiration & appreciation is boundless.

[@Gingerwhale]

I come back here every once in while to enjoy Barbara's awesome music. What a beautiful and gracious artist. She brings out the best in the Hammond Organ.

[@dginia]

A trio with only two people. I never tire of this performance.

[@christianmarin6267]

Bass, Rythm or Lead? Which part do u wanna play in this piece Barbara? Barbara: Yes

[@Appytail]

Like an obese in front of a buffet. " I'll handle everything !!! "

[@Marcus_C51]

Her bass pedals playing is devastatingly superb! Well--then there's everything else-love her!

[@nemo227]

@@Marcus_C51 If I wasn't already retired I'd say her bass pedals are the reason I'm not getting any gigs.😄

[@Marcus_C51]

@@nemo227 Yeah, may be the truth-ha ha. I still marvel at how organists can do it.

[@nemo227]

@@Marcus_C51 I think their nerve-to-brain pathways may be more fully developed, like a super highway can carry more traffic than a country road. There's probably a neurologist in the internet who can explain it.

[@mehmetkemalulkenciler9222]

amazing drumming also. what a beautiful duo

[@bradjohnson9671]

She is off the charts talented... The drummer is totally off the hook. The shadow and backbeats he puts in are amazing.

[@buckinghambazoni]

These two are absolutely perfect together. It just don't get better than this.

[@sorebutton]

Right up there with Tony Monaco, Joey De Francesco, Jimmy Smith, Charles Earland, Jimmy McGriff. BUT her footwork on the bass pedals is just fantastic! Her drummer is so tasteful and never over plays - he listens!

[@daniworldband]

Thank you very much! www.danielmessina.de

[@JosBrouwer1]

That base solo starting around 7:20 is absolutely awesome!

[@jerseycab1]

Super cool lady, that said by a guy who bought his first JS album in the early sixties as an adolescent. Never expected to hear this kind of groove coming from a frau in Germany, who btw is an innovator w a reverence for the past and is respectful enough to not parrot it.

[@BluesJazzCountryHarmonica]

Frau in Germany can learn you a lot of grooves!

[@thomast2840]

She's gorgeous!!! Just listen to this amazing groove and variety in her playing. Her bass lines an her improvisation talent is enormous. I admit I am adicted to her organ playing. She is a true master of a B3. I am a follower of her music since the eighties when Barbara was still very young.

[@grahamellis7336]

Absolute magic, and what a drummer.

[@hans1970]

Totally agree, they were hand in glove.

[@sierranevada531]

I was in a depression.....after one minute Barbara....depression gone..!!😍😘😍😘😍 She is a living hammond organ!! Cannot sit still when she is playing! Awesome talented and very charming woman! Hope to see her live some day! (Jim)

[@Bobbotov]

Without a doubt, the best Hammond player. Her pedal work is superb.

[@samreilly4360]

Doing the Bass pedals like that is something else. She's amazing

[@user-cs7ey4np9r]

Exactly

[@greyjay9202]

My God, she's magnificent. She makes that B3 come alive in a way few others can.

[@matthewleary6450]

The narrative in her playing is fabulous! Talk about telling a story. Makes you want to be there!

[@hans1970]

Always great when music lovers get it, thanks!

[@bobsaturday4273]

Barbaras not just another great player , her clean lines and phrasing stand above most others , right at the top with the true greats like Jimmy

[@jerryzabin]

Barbara Dennerlein has such an incredible gift. And as with other jazz masters, her sound is instantly recognizable.

[@jcpjean-claude4576]

sonorité UNIQUE de l'hammond B3 et talent exceptionnel de Madame de Dennerlein!!!!!!! que du bonheur !

[@wimvanmuijen8655]

One of my most played video's on the net. Thanks for this great music you two.

[@keldanthony6877]

Barbara, Jimmy Smith must be very proud to hav a pupil like you. You swing like a deamon on the organ

[@johnharpdalton7766]

Beautiful in ALL ways, and thanks for remembering the great Jimmy Smith! Don't stop, don't stop!! xxx

[@qz3bmz]

Fabulous composition and performance; so glad to know musicianship and heritage are still valued Thanks lots for posting

[@johnnyzendo1271]

I've never heard of this lady before. I stumbled upon her while checking out some Dr. Lonnie Smith & Joey DeFrancesco. I think the whole journey started with Weather Report or maybe Return to Forever. But wow!!! What a find! This is the best new (to me) music I've discovered in many years. Where the heck have I been? Has this Hammond angel been around for a while? I haven't heard any of her other tracks, but this piece alone is well worth the price of admission. I'm an instant fan & highly intrigued.

[@wayneblanchard97]

Johnny Zendo Yes, Ms Dennerlein has been around for some time, though is likely best known in her home country of Germany. I have a number of her albums, which vary quite substantially in terms of band line-up, material and production. One is just her. Another features Dennis Chambers in the band. This link reveals some, possibly all of her albums. www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=barbara+dennerlein

[@glennducey8894]

Johnny Zendo Welcome ! She's a beauty, like you I tripped onto her work a couple of years back by sheer chance and have been smiling ever since. The first piece I saw her do was Swing The Blondes on a German Letterman-style tv chat show, hooked in one sitting !

[@jamesrawlins735]

Johnny Zendo She's been around for over thirty years, having been a child prodigy in Germany. By the age of 20 she had already released 3 albums and started her own label in 1985 (her nickname is the Organ Tornado from Munich). Barbara also began playing the pipe organ about 20 years ago and performing the Hammond style on it, creating a new sensation. My guess is, just like Rhoda Scott (with whom she's collaborated) if she had been in the US she would be much better known than she is.

[@georgehansford880]

Johnny Zendo “.

[@TheStampedehero]

I just discovered her. I wish I did long ago. She has the gift. Not many people can expand rhythm and melody into purity, in one stream, at once!

[@davidwhittaker9511]

Barbara is so talented, her playing is phenomenal, I am in awe and soulfully inspired. God has blessed you with talent. Thank You!

[@Mstadri]

Your bass lines are absolutely beauty !!!!!

[@jeanlouischleider]

Hi, she registred the sound of a Basse on his organ !

[@fleurguy1938]

I used to catch Jimmy every chance I got but this gal is fantastic. Jimmy will be missed for sure but Barbara picks up right where he left off. Just wish I could see her live. There's NOTHING like a live performance.

[@JayQuebec116]

"Why bother hiring a bass player when your foot can do the job?" - Barbara Dennerlein

[@guytero8812]

This is one of my favorite pieces by Barbara. She's got a very lucky husband. Imagine hearing her playing stuff like this all day at home. This is like a spiritual experience.

[@Pearlbitch]

Ehm... Every virtuoso is also that irritating neighbor who is practicing new chords and pieces over and over and over again. 😉

[@TwainsBlues]

Fantastic performance - nothing swings quite like a Hammond.

[@sylvesterdavis8253]

TwainsBlues smooth Jazz

[@ivegroulx]

The sound of a Hammond organ.... Wow !

[@anncsimmons7382]

thumbs down from bass players?

[@doublemax77]

Absolutely fantastic. I only wish these videos wouldn't cut off so quickly. I love seeing the musicians enjoying their well deserved applause.

[@jobekess]

This video is dynamite. Never heard of her until just now. She definately should get more air play. Great talent!

[@roadrulz]

Our Keyboard man played a B3 with the old style Leslie back in the late 60's through the 80's. He could get down, but for some reason he didn't look as good as her. Heck she can play better bass with her feet than I can with my hands! This girl is BEYOND great, and by the way I love B3's. I don't think this combo, she and the hammond can be beat! I can listen to her all day! FANTASTIC!!!

[@MrJtho165]

Magic !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MarkusFrei2]

wie ist das möglich?? ich als Musiker kann nur sagen: Die Welt ist noch in Ordnung.

[@chevick]

Incredible. She is awesome...

[@horstgortgens1322]

Freude pur!

[@hans1970]

Stimmt, vielen Dank!

[@zeljkopetergrilec]

Super Barbara,Hammond very good saund BRAVO

[@jerrywitowski4360]

As a youngster in the 1960's I always appreciated the Organ/Drums Duo sound. She is the Queen. God blessed her. Drummer is no slouch either. :)

[@daniworldband]

Thank you very much Jerry ! Daniel www.danielmessina.de

[@rogertycholiz2218]

Jerry - Never mind the drummer!

[@tonysmith3048]

this is as good as it gets she is fantastic lady smith great love it

[@markmgrdichian5055]

damn straight... as good as it gets. the most melodic improv on a B3 you'll ever hear... period.

[@birgittaribberstrom2064]

Mark Mgrdichian

[@lemuriatrading]

Awesome independence! Soulful, tasty, melodic, and great bass solo on her pedal bass.

[@MissyFo]

Who are the idiots that don't like this?

[@johnbethell1952]

they are 18 deaf people

[@fuckllou2192]

I definitely am Take a listen to some real stuff If you can't hear the difference,then everything is fine

[@bobsaturday4273]

thats why there's nut houses and prisons

[@bcdrummer1962]

Fuckl Lou you dont like this? You can listen to 'real stuff' like Jimmy Smith, Brother Jack, Groove Holmes, Milt Buckner, Larry Young........and then put this down? I guarantee no one on the short list I just wrote would agree with you. They would all say this is also 'real stuff'. Open you ears.

[@ergbudster3333]

Who cares? If they too dumb to dig this then.. hell wif em.

[@GianniPT]

So many days I feel depressed, but then I listen to this and it snaps me right out of it as I realize that there is much beauty in this world courtesy of Frau Dennerlein Vilen dank mein freund!

[@GianniPT]

Und Herr Messina ist auch gute,!

[@ScienceTalkwithJimMassa]

She is absolutely amazing!!!! How does she do this? How does she play a flawless bass line with her feet, rhythm part and improvise over the top all at the same time?? Good grief she is spectacular!!!!

[@therealborischang]

I sometimes think if she had four arms she could lay down her own drums too.

[@charleshall810]

Had never heard a bass line like that so tight with both feet. Wow....just amazing

[@WillBravoNotEvil]

Science_Talk_with_Jim_Massa Yeah. About that "created equal" thing... 😄☺️

[@geoffbryant6563]

Science_Talk_with_Jim_Massa has to

[@greggholson1627]

R&b radio

[@elackguy]

How good is she? Spectacular!

[@thomast2840]

I am regarding myself as a great admirer of Barbara. Sombody wrote "Germany's best female jazz lady" - it's true! She is in the business for more than 30 years and we all know why. She could compete with Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff and other males - easily!!

[@andreasortmeier5137]

Hammer! Der Hammond-Sound. Eine grosse Virtuosin.

[@dennisrupik9742]

Barbarra is the Grand Master. The best jazz organist in the world. She was a child prodigy. She is a genius. Dennis from England.

[@fratondeasam]

This is blocking utube

[@alexanderyozzo]

wtf are ya'll talking about. Have you ever heard of Joey? get the f*** outta here

[@ronaldunkel2681]

Alexander Yozzo Baby Kangaroo’s are called Joey’s. Is that what you’re referring too? I do hope you enjoy this great track! Cheers!

[@rboyd319]

She's good...but CT set the standard.

[@keithtomlinson1280]

Barbara is a magnificent musician. I treasure my memories of hearing her playing with Andy Shepard in Berlin (I think it was 1993 in the Philharmonie) I’ve been a huge fan ever since. Her foot pedal work is extraordinary. How one brain can control two hands and two feet whilst staying seated on the bench beats me. I’m fairly sure I would fall off. 😂❤️

[@Crezelltree4261]

She even gets the vibraphone sound out of the keys.Amazing artist.Didn't know a Hammond had that feature.

[@BaldJean]

A Hammond organ does usually not come with this feature, but Barbara integrated MIDI-technology into her organ which allows her to play vibraphone, piano, trumpet or, for the pedals, acoustic bass on her organ. If you would like to hear her play "piano" on the organ watch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqS6ZIlqp9eFqdk

[@josemarcosguimaraes7717]

Amazing!!! So Cool!!! Cheer´s from south Brazil!!!

[@geoffcampbell2408]

jeez... now I can't find my socks!!

[@bibivanhoof1969]

Prima begeleiding de drummer Daniel Messina niet te overheersend ,precies goed!!!!

[@daniworldband]

Thank You very much !! please visit my KZbin Channel ! kzbin.info/door/GmzKUKn7eJ67XrpOKmxrmA www.danielmessina.de

[@lizfernandeshoft9104]

Einfach klasse,gratuliere zu diesem Video!

[@mikemaiocco2538]

You know to play a B3 covering bass Rhythm and Lead it's tough enough but this girl also is midi out to provide a vibraphone solo. Fantastic

[@871115Frans]

To say Barbara is in the same class as Jimmy Smith would be an offence, she is in a class of her own.

[@trombonemunroe]

I especially can't get over the nonstop bass lines, which she does all with her feet while covering complex parts with both hands. This lady is one in a million!

[@DizzyKrissi]

this sounds so good - I enjoy her enjoying her music and herself.

[@Vitttorio777]

Americans have done only three good things in their history: Hammond, Moog and Fender Stratocaster !

[@baddriddimworkshop]

yaeh weel this is not really JUST a b3 she's using, it's a war tank, do you think this bassline she's playing with her feet sounds like a hammond bass. and listen to that bell sound, the gear this lady uses was made specially for her with a ton of crazy options...

[@frederikqu7717]

@@baddriddimworkshop Yeah, but it's heart is the B3. The excellence of this instrument is a big part why she chose it

[@baddriddimworkshop]

@@frederikqu7717 well to be honest i am a hudge hammond fan, i have an M100 from 1957, but she played a lot on wurlizers too....

[@stevo34640]

Baddriddim Workshop the guts of her organ are that of a Hammond b3, but has a synthesizer hooked up to it, hence why her bass pedal sounds are not that of your typical Hammond organ.

[@baddriddimworkshop]

@@stevo34640 more than just a synth in fact; did you ntice she is not using a leslie on stage? i think that bass is samplebased not coming from a synth.

[@Flo8Jack]

WHAT can say she is absolutely fantastic and to top it all she plays bass with her feet love it .

[@kevinmeachem2138]

How does this have over 1.2 million views and only 8,000 likes???

[@j.w.grayson6937]

So glad I found this incredible jazz organist!

[@johnsharpe734]

shes good but Joey defrancesco.....................

[@mortfinkbinder5226]

That photo of her and the Incredible Jimmy Smith. This music is good for the soul. She has so many things going at once, and all the voice changes on the keys.

[@marbleflat]

Great track for practising your Kenny Burrell guitar licks. Babs is the business -- she rocks.

[@JONNYHOTROD]

Man this lady can play a B3 like i aint ever heard!!!!!!!!

[@deepadhanraj2485]

396 thousand hits is not enough for Ms Dennerlein.. never get tired of her music

[@pasqualebernardo7604]

Magical Barbara! The Lady of the Hammond B3...

[@terrydee9045]

Can someone please tell me what the box is on top of her organ? This my favorite instrument and she is my favorite player

[@EpicValleyStudios]

One of the reasons I could never really get into Francesco is he seems to be too much of a Smith clone and honestly, Jimmy Smith has such a vast body of work that if I want to hear Smith, I'll listen to the real thing. But Barbara Dennerlein has got some incredible feel and soul. I'd go watch her any day of the week, she's an incredible and unique talent.

[@harrybradstreet9394]

Best foot on B-3 I ever heard. Amazing hand skills and innovative expression.

[@JazzgutsVGvanKampen]

Fantastic feel, great rhythmic variation and dynamics,very musical, great musical interaction with the drums (very good).Thanks a lot to Lance Brown for sending me this very inspiring Video, greets Vic.

[@bevanc9999]

I'm surprised she isn't playing the drums with her teeth at the same time

[@turquoiseelement7890]

my god shes a crazy killer yo!!! and that drummer is just swinging so frikin hard im really digin this

[@daniworldband]

:-) Thanx !!

[@jameshobbins4911]

Tael Estremera o

[@btinsley1]

STRAIGHT TO MY PLAYLIST

[@ericlamont1302]

Ya you guys so relaxed and right at the same time. Great pairing

[@FrisellFan01]

The drummer..... I can't get enough of his playing......there is a few more videos...out there....with Dennerlein..../ Messina..... the way they push each other....is so cool.....feeding off the energy......very addicting......

[@daniworldband]

Thank you very much for your kind comment! Happy 2018! Daniel www.danielmessina.de

[@therealborischang]

They communicate with a nod here, a smile there... even when she’s soloing, he’s connected-his hands still moving. The textures each is laying down mesh so sublimely.

[@daniworldband]

@@therealborischang Thank you very much !!! Daniel

[@jimmullin1943]

Barbara Dennerlein really get's it. The entire package including tone, timing and bass lines. Not all Organ players do demonstrate the totality. She is a joy to listen to and observe.

[@DJRAKKK]

Its pretty Clear who Jimmy Smiths Torch Went to.

[@frankschwartz7405]

Wow...such a talent. And that's some hot-rodded B3. Mine doesn't sound like either an acoustic bass nor vibes. It's definitely been "to the shop". (MIDI)

[@hans1970]

You're right, she was the first to integrate midi in her B3 back in the 80s, sampled an acoustic bass for her pedals.