Ernst Halter
    on Pro XK-System

Ernst Halter was born in 1961 in the heart of Switzerland. He early discovered his love of music. At the age of 17, he switched from the accordion to the electronic organ. He was on the road for many years for weddings, entertainment- and dance-events. His playing on the bass pedals was part of his trademark from the beginning. At the age of 40, he was definitely infected by the Hammond virus and he discovered jazz on this heavyweight instrument. Since then, jazz on the Hammond organ has been his great passion. He is delighted to be part of the Hammond Organ Revival and to continue the tradition of organ trios.

In 1986 he graduated from the Jazz School Lucerne. From 2004 to 2012 he studied the basics for playing the Hammond organ. In 2011 and 2013 he attended Masterclasses with Tony Monaco (USA) and Alberto Marsico (It). These were very important for his further musical development.

Since 2006, Ernst Halter plays in various formations, as a leader or as sideman. In the bands "Ernst Halter Organ Trio", "Organ'Voice" and "OrganSwing Group", the Hammond Organ is always the focus. He loves the musical challenges in small groups, but has already accompanied a gospel choir and folk choirs. His preference is jazz of the 50s and 60s, which he expanded with more modern influences. So he presents jazz standards, blues, soul and pop classics and more. In addition to concerts in jazz clubs, at festivals and private events in Switzerland, he also guested in Germany.

When Ernst Halter was infected by the Hammond virus, organs with 2 manuals were threatened with extinction. His first Hammond organ he found then in the model XE-200. Soon followed by a vintage Hammond A-100 with Leslie 122 and for professional use on stage a Hammond Pro XK-System with Leslie 3300P. The Hammond Pro XK-System with the traditional arrangement of the controls and the Waterfall keyboards gives him exactly the feel and sound of a vintage Hammond organ.