Mel Rhyne

A largely underrated organist for most of his life, Rhyne plays the Hammond B-3 as well as any of the greats. His work with Wes Montgomery on the Riverside label is among the best of the guitar/organ trios, particularly Guitar on the Go and Dynamic New Sound. Their version of "Round Midnight" is one of the best jazz recordings, period, filled with smoky organ drones and buttery Bebop licks. Rhyne also backed a young Roland Kirk and many blues artists, including T Bone Walker and B.B. King. After many years without a release, Rhyne has released a string of excellent Soul Jazz and Hard Bop albums -- gathering assistance from great older and younger players including Joshua Redman and Buddy Montgomery.