My musical journey began at the age of three, seated at the Hammond organ in my grandfather’s home. Albert J. Kaufman, my grandfather, was an amateur organist with a profound love for music. His home was filled with the rich, resonant sounds of Hammond organs—he owned 13 of them, including the Hammond Elegante, B-3, C3, A Series, Aurora, and X-66. Alongside these iconic instruments, he also cherished a collection of Conn organs, including models like the 580 and 552, along with a few spinets. The sounds of these instruments became the soundtrack of my childhood and the foundation of my musical career.
Growing up, my grandfather and I would often swap organs, allowing me to develop a diverse musical palate from an early age. Recognizing my interest and talent, I began formal lessons at the age of five. My passion for music, sparked by those early experiences, only grew stronger with time.
My grandfather’s influence extended beyond just playing the organ. He had established connections within the theater organ community long before I began playing, and he introduced me to a vibrant and historic circuit. I became a member of the American Theatre Organ Society (ATOS) and the Connecticut Valley Theatre Organ Society (CTVOS), organizations where I met and collaborated with industry icons such as Rosa Rio, Lyn Larsen, Father James Miller, Larry Ferrari, and Joey DeFrancesco. Through these connections, I became part of a rich tradition of theater organ performance, playing in venues across Shelton and Thomaston, Connecticut.
Over the years, I honed my skills not only on the organ but also on the piano and other instruments, a versatility that allowed me to branch out into various musical genres. I spent many years performing with wedding bands and doing studio work, supporting both up-and-coming and established artists. One of the highlights of my early career was the opportunity to work with renowned bands like Spyro Gyra, Tower of Power, and Chicago shortly after college.
In addition to performing, I have also served as a music minister for various churches across Connecticut and have taught music in both public and private sectors. In 2014, I took a significant step by opening my own music studio, where I continue to compose, produce, and arrange music for myself and other artists. My music is available on all major platforms and streaming services.
I feel truly blessed and honored to be part of the Hammond family. The Hammond organ has been a staple in my family for many years, and it’s an integral part of my life and career. To date, I have eight albums to my credit, each reflecting a blend of tradition and innovation that honors my roots while embracing modern sounds. My work is accessible on all major streaming services, allowing listeners worldwide to experience the journey I began with my grandfather’s Hammond organ.
As I always say, “Music is the soundtrack of our lives, so why not make it a good one?”
@jamesanorkawich
@jamesanorkawich
