BIOGRAPHY

Moe Denham began playing piano at the age of six. When he was 11, his mother bought a Hammond B-3 and Moe's musical direction was changed forever. Today this multi-keyboardist and vocalist is one of the foremost practitioners of the Hammond B-3 organ and the B-3 "sound."

The musical influences of Ray Charles, "Wild" Bill Davis, Errol Garner and Richard "Groove" Holmes helped to define his distinctive playing style. The sound of Bill Withers, Les McCann, Lou Rawls, Joe Williams and Arthur Prysock are reflected in Moe's dynamic, vibrant vocals. A jazz and blues artist whose music expresses a deep spirituality, Moe calls his work "blazz" — a sound fat with richness and warmth.

Moe's extensive credits include tours with the Dick Clark Caravan of Stars featuring Del Shannon, Little Eva and Frankie Valli; the swamp-rocker Tony Joe White ("Rainy Night in Georgia," "Poke Salad Annie"); the phenomenal jazz organist Richard "Groove" Holmes; and multi-time nominee and Grammy award winner Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown. He has recorded with artists including Vassar Clements and Sam Lay, and has performed with such notables as jazz guitar great Wes Montgomery, Joey DeFrancesco, Neil Young, Albert King, Gregg Allman, Tommy Tutone ("867-5309"), George Thorogood, Diane Schuur, Bela Fleck, Francine Reed, Eric Essix, Chester Thompson (Genesis), Grady Gaines, Gov't Mule (Warren Haynes), and Dennis Rowland.

In 1997, Keyboard magazine acknowledged Denham's place in the world of Hammond B-3 players. Written by associate editor Mark Vail, the book "Keyboard Presents The Hammond Organ: Beauty in the B" [Miller-Freeman Publications, ISBNO-87930-459-6], quotes Denham extensively, as he gives us glimpses into the organ's history and a look at some of the famous and not-so-famous players who helped propel the instrument to international popuIarity. Denham's own loving mastery ofthe B-3 assures his ongoing role in its musical saga.