Hammond Sessions – Videos

You were born for church and became an iconic element for progressive rock: we are talking about the legendary Hammond organ!

Everybody has heard a Hammond in their life, since this organ found his way in every genre of music. It’s used in Jazz, Blues, Funk, Soul, Progressive Rock, Pop and Hip Hop. When you go through the record collection of your parents, you will see it plays a crucial role in music. And it’s back!

Even though there are several ways to emulate the classic Hammond (organ) sound, nothing beats the real deal. And together with the unique Leslie Speaker, it’s a combination made in heaven.

In August we hosted a special Facebook Live event about the Hammond at Abbey Road Institute Amsterdam. We explored the legendary Hammond B3 with a Leslie, and shared best practice recording techniques.

More info about the session is available here: https://abbeyroadinstitute.nl/blog/hammond-sessions-recording-legendary-instrument/

And the good news is: The recordings of this session are now available on our Youtube channel!

In this special edit you will learn about the history, mechanics, the different sounds (from smooth jazz to rock), how to use the drawbars, the bass pedals and the additional features on the Hammond, the Leslie Speaker, miking and recording techniques, and some creative exploring at the end.

We do this with one of the best Hammond Players in the Netherlands and Music Coach at Abbey Road Institute, Rob Mostert (Rob Mostert Hammond Group, The Preacher Men and the new Hammond Sessions platform). Rob recorded an album with the legendary jazz-audio-engineer Rudy van Gelder (Blue Note Records) and is capable of playing the many dimensions of this amazing organ. And for the technical part we have audio engineer and Abbey Road Institute audio lecturer, Anthony Maes, sharing some valuable recording techniques, tips and special insights.

So all we can say is: If you are seriously considering to add some classic organ sound to your music, or if you want to know more about how to record this beast, you have to watch this 3 part series of our Hammond Sessions, recording a legendary instrument.

In the first part, we talk about the history of the Hammond and the mechanics (how does it work). Enjoy!

• The inventor Laurens Hammond
• How the Hammond works (did you know it has an engine?)
• How to use the Hammond drawbars
• And some Jimmy Smith’s ‘Back at the chicken shack’ grooves by Rob Mostert and Erik Kooger

Part 1 video below:

In the second part we talk about the (rotating) Leslie speaker, which is a key element for the iconic Hammond sound, and a variety of microphone setups for recording.

• Why does the Leslie speaker rotate and what is the effect?
• What creates the iconic sound of the Hammond?
• How to mic a Hammond (and Leslie) properly for recording?
• And more Hammond grooves with Rob and Erik

Watch the Part 2 Video below:

In the third part we go a bit experimental. Rob Mostert is one of best Hammond organ players in the Netherlands. He has a unique way of playing his (modified!) B3. In this video we explore:

• The special modifications on Rob’s Hammond B3 (including a MIDI output)
• Using effects, including a vintage Watkins Copicat tape echo
• Listen to the magical combination of a Hammond and a Moog Sub Phatty
• Using two Leslie speakers and a Marshall amplifier (giving the Hammond some Rock flavour)
• And some Funky ‘Green Unions’ tunes played by the one and only Rob Mostert and Erik Kooger.

Watch the Part 3 Video below: