Freddie Roach, a soul jazz Hammond B3 pianist was born May 11, 1931 in Bronx. He was one of the few jazz organists who made history during the 1960s, when the Hammond organ was in its golden age. Roach recorded his debut album in 1960, playing with Willis Jackson and Ike Quebec as saxophonist. He recorded five albums between 1962 and 1964 as a leader on Blue Note Records. He also recorded the album I’m Triedin’ to Get Back with Donald Byrd. Blue Note’s Mo’ Greens Please, his Blue Note album, is one of the most important 10 jazz organ sides ever recorded. Roach was distinguished by his original writing, solid basslines, and musically fleet-fingered righthand. He recorded three more albums for Prestige Records as a leader, and these are more commercial than his Blue Note recordings. He left France after those recordings and never heard from again. Roach is a soulful, organist who was certainly influenced by Jimmy Smith (musician). However, he has a unique sound and an original concept that can be heard on “Good Move” from Blue Note. Blue Note albums by Roach are well worth the effort. From Wikipedia
