Matthew Whitaker Quintet at Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts

The Hammond B3 organ speaks a language all its own, one that’s rooted in the church, but brings jazz, soul, blues and funk along for a dizzying party. It’s no wonder that special reverence is held for those musicians that truly master the instrument. Matthew Whitaker’s love for music began at the young age of three, after his grandfather gave him a small Yamaha keyboard. At nine years old, Matthew began teaching himself how to play the Hammond B3 organ. Four years later, he became the youngest artist to be endorsed by Hammond in its 80+ year history. But it’s his rich talent, not his youth, that keep audiences coming back to experience Whitaker and his talented bandmates...

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The Hammond B3 organ speaks a language all its own, one that’s rooted in the church, but brings jazz, soul, blues and funk along for a dizzying party. It’s no wonder that special reverence is held for those musicians that truly master the instrument. Matthew Whitaker’s love for music began at the young age of three, after his grandfather gave him a small Yamaha keyboard. At nine years old, Matthew began teaching himself how to play the Hammond B3 organ. Four years later, he became the youngest artist to be endorsed by Hammond in its 80+ year history. But it’s his rich talent, not his youth, that keep audiences coming back to experience Whitaker and his talented bandmates.

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