Barbara Dennerlein

by Scott Yanow
Barbara Dennerlein differs from most organists by not sounding all that much like Jimmy Smith. She utilizes MIDI with her organ in order to get a different sound and her baselines (which she operates through her foot pedals) really do sound like a bass. Dennerlein began playing organ at 11 and four years later was already gigging in local clubs. She recorded on her own Bebap label and since 1988 has also made albums for Enja that have created a bit of a stir in the U.S., using such sidemen as Ray Anderson and Mitch Watkins.