The Jazz Organ Scene

USA

Chris Hazelton The first time Chris experienced a real Hammond B-3 organ, he knew instantly that it was the instrument he was destined to play. At the request of his college professor, the then-underage aspiring musician snuck into a dark Kansas City jazz club called Bobby's Hangout to hear the man behind the console, jazz organ master Everette DeVan. After several weeks of coaxing, Mr. DeVan agreed to take Chris on a student, showing him the ins and outs of the complex machine. With a background in string bass and piano, Chris' transfer to organ was a natural one.   From 2007 to 2009, Chris called the Big Apple home. New York City provided an education that can only be found by living there. During his time there, Chris regularly performed at legendary Harlem jazz clubs such as Minton's Playhouse, the Lenox Lounge, and Showman's Jazz Lounge. In 2009, Chris had the honor of studying with the world's foremost authority in the jazz organ world, Lonnie Smith!   Upon returning to his native Kansas City, Chris has made a name for himself as one of the premier jazz organists in the midwest and recently made an appearance with the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.   His flagship ensemble, Chris Hazelton's Boogaloo 7, was assembled in 2013 and has since held a Friday night residency at Kansas City's most happenin' jazz spot, the Green Lady Lounge. This seven piece unit focuses on funky, rhythmic soul-jazz that harkens back to the late 1960's and early 1970's, a time when Lou Donaldson, Jimmy McGriff, Charles Earland, Grant Green, Lonnie Smith, and a host of others packed dance floors and venues along the "Chitlin Circuit".   Since 2010, Chris has been the organist at "The Historic" Centennial United Methodist Church in Kansas City, MO - a church that was once home to Count Basie and Charlie Parker. He is happily married to the love of his life, Erica, and together have a daughter named Evelyn.

contact:	chrishazeltonmusic@gmail.com
homepage:	www.chrishazelton.com
	www.myspace.com/jazzorgandude
	Click on the logo to see Chris' tour dates.

Chris Hazelton no label recorded in Kansas City, KS/USA	Chris Hazelton, Hammond B-3 organ Nick Rowland, alto sax Danny Embrey, guitar Kevin Frazee, drums
Peregrination no label recorded December 2011 in Kansas City, KS/USA	Chris Hazelton, Hammond B-3 organ Danny Embrey, guitar Kevin Frazee, drums
Soul Jazz Fridays Sunflower Soul Records SS-3001	Chris Hazelton, organ Nick Rowland, alto sax, tenor sax Brett Jackson, baritone sax Pat Conway, congas, percussion Nick Howell, trumpet, tambourine Matt Hopper, guitar Danny Rojas, drums
The Basement Beat Sunflower Soul Records SS-3002	Chris Hazelton, Hammond B-3 organ Zak Pischnotte, alto sax, tenor sax Brett Jackson, baritone sax Nick Howell, trumpet Matt Hopper, guitar Danny Rojas, drums Pat Conway, congas
After Dark Cellar Live CM120822 recorded February 2022 in Kansas City, MO/USA	Chris Hazelton, Hammond B-3 organ Brett Jackson, baritone sax Jamie Anderson, guitar John Kizilarmut, drums Pat Conway, congas

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