Paul Williamson Hammond Combo

Want to come and have some lunch at Henley's beforehand? – book here


Paul Williamson’s Hammond Combo has been one of the most popular bands on the Melbourne scene over the last decade, enjoying long-running residencies at venues like the Esplanade Hotel and the Rainbow Hotel ; in fact, they’re still at the Rainbow Hotel...

They play jazz built on a solid foundation of Rhythm & Blues. Who can resist the vibrant sound of a saxophone wailing over the full-bodied throb of a Hammond B-3 organ, pushed along by a driving beat from the drums ? This is music that grooves all night long, whatever the tempo, and compels the players to produce earthy, passionate solos.

Paul Williamson (tenor or baritone saxophone, vocals) has played jazz, R&B, blues and rock with artists as diverse as Vince Jones, Dire Straits, The Black Sorrows, Men At Work ,The Jextet, Jane Clifton, Danny Moss, The Hidden Charms and The Moovin’ & Groovin’ Orchestra. He has also worked with US artists like Cornell Dupree, Jimmy McGriff, Lucky Peterson and Big Jay McNeely. Paul formed the Hammond Combo in 1991. They have made five CDs for Newmarket : ‘Red Hot Go’, ‘Live At The Esplanade’, 'Over The Rainbow' , 'Get Happy' and ‘Month Of Mondays.. the blues’

Tim Neal plays the Hammond B-3 to give the band that authentic sound, as defined by Hammond boss, Jimmy Smith, on his classic recordings for Blue Note and Verve. He worked with Bobby Previte’s Bitches Brew Project at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival in 1999, and has also worked with Festa, Jim Kelly, Banana Oil, the Feelin’ Groovies, Matt Kirsch, Edward York and his own Trio.

Mike Jordan is the Combo’s drummer, and also contributes some vocals. He has worked in a number of jazz settings, with artists as diverse as Brian Brown, Judy Jacques and Tony Gould. He has also earned his Masters in Jazz performance and is currently undertaking studies for his PhD.

“They have been working together for a decade now, two or three times a week, and it shows. They seem to think as one, whether blowing up a storm, easing up, or locking into a groove. With its catchy riffs and blues/R&B sensibility, this is irresistibly groovy jazz, that anyone should be able to enjoy."
Adrian Jackson, 'The Bulletin'