Barbara Dennerlein: The Jazz Organist
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Barbara Dennerlein, born on September 25, 1964, in Munich, Germany, is a renowned jazz organist. Her musical journey began at the age of 11 when she received a small Hohner instrument for Christmas. Encouraged by her grandfather to learn a musical instrument, and with her parents being both jazz enthusiasts, she took formal lessons for two years under the instruction of Paul Greisl, who had a Hammond B-3. She immediately became interested in the instrument and that it contained a bass pedalboard, unlike her Hohner. After some searching, since the instrument was then out of production, she acquired her own Hammond aged 13 from her parents.
Career and Musical Innovations
Dennerlein began to play concerts aged 14, and the following year, she played in a jazz club for the first time. When leading her own bands, Dennerlein was often the youngest musician in the group, and she learned to co-operate with more experienced musicians. Her local reputation as the “Organ Tornado from Munich” spread after her first TV appearances in 1982. When her third LP Bebab was issued, Dennerlein established her own record label in 1985 and assumed her own management duties.
Recordings and Performances
Over the years, Dennerlein has recorded several albums that showcase her unique musical style. She received two German Record Critics’ awards for self-produced albums. Later, she made three recordings for Enja Records and three for Verve Records. On these recordings, she worked with Ray Anderson, Randy Brecker, Dennis Chambers, Roy Hargrove, Mitch Watkins, and Jeff “Tain” Watts.
Contributions to Jazz
Dennerlein’s contributions to jazz go beyond her performances and recordings. She modified a Hammond’s pedalboard to trigger samples of an acoustic bass and, impressed with results, decided to modify the manuals to play samplers too. Her performances include solo performances, as well as quintets (e.g. her “Bebab” band). In both, she uses MIDI technology and triggers built into pedals and manuals to trigger synthesizers and samples to her sound.
Legacy and Influence
Dennerlein’s influence extends beyond her performances and compositions. She has been described by critic Ron Wynn as “the most interesting jazz organist to emerge during the 1980s”.
- “Bebab”– This album showcases Dennerlein’s unique approach to jazz, combining classical music with jazz and Latin American rhythms.
- “Straight Ahead”– This album, released in 1988, is a testament to Dennerlein’s unique and personal performance style.
- “Live on Tour!”– This 1989 recording showcases Dennerlein’s innovative approach to music.
- “Hot Stuff”– This album features collaborations with other musicians and showcases Dennerlein’s ability to create captivating jazz compositions.
- “That’s Me”– This album features Dennerlein’s work with her band, providing a glimpse into her musical genius.
- “Solo”– This track showcases Dennerlein’s unique musical style.
- “Take Off!”– This track provides a glimpse into Dennerlein’s musical genius and her ability to create unique jazz compositions.
- “Junkanoo”– This track showcases Dennerlein’s incorporation of Latin American rhythms into her music.
- “Give It Up”– This track provides a comprehensive overview of Dennerlein’s musical journey.
- “Stormy Weather Blues”– This track, showcases Dennerlein’s unique fusion of classical music with jazz.
