Freddie Roach (organist)

Freddie Roach (born May 11, 1931) is a soul jazz Hammond B3 organist born in the Bronx, New York. He was one of a handful of legendary jazz organists that made history in the 1960's, the golden era of the Hammond organ. Roach made his record debut in 1960 with saxophonist Ike Quebec on the albums "Heavy Soul" and "It Might As Well be Spring".At the time he was playing with Willis Jackson. From 1962-64 he recorded 5 albums as a leader for the Blue Note Records label and also recorded with Donald Byrd on the album "I´m trying to get Home". His Blue note LP "'Mo Greens Please" is perhaps one of the greatest 10 jazz organ sides ever recorded. Roach's original writing, steady basslines, and highly musical fleet-fingered right hand set him apart. From 1966-67 he recorded three more albums as a leader for Prestige Records, which are in a more commercial vein than his Blue Note dates. After those recordings he moved to France, after which he was not heard from again.

Roach is a soulful organist, certainly influenced by Jimmy Smith (musician), but with a distinct sound and a quite original concept, which is perhaps best heard on "Good Move" for Blue Note. His Blue Note albums are worth looking for. [cite web
last = Erlewine
first = Steven Thomas
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = Freddie Roach Biography
work =
publisher = Allmusic
date =
url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:a9frxql5ldae~T1
format =
doi =
accessdate = 2007-06-23 ]

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