Hammond B-3 organist
Matthew Kaminski hails from Georgia, and offers a new and different perspective to playing his instrument, combining some aspects of soul-jazz, funk, standards, and be-bop on select tracks from this, his mid-major-label debut. Blessed with a great deal of taste but not overwhelming chops,
Kaminski balances his sound just right with jazz and blues, covering only a few classics and dealing his original compositions with a full hand of face cards. On the
Richard "Groove" Holmes 12-bar blues/bop oldie "Sweatin," and the
Lou Donaldson's boogaloo "Hot Dog,"
Kaminski shows his respect for the tradition, but changes up completely for
Brian Wilson's "Caroline, No" in an easygoing Latin mood on the modified pop song. Five originals are included that showcase a budding
Kaminski as a thinker and inventor as on the slow drag of the
John Scofield-like title track, the light but a bit dirty "Flip the Lid," the more ethereal "Mazzy," and the inventive "Karolina," a snappy ankle-biting song in 15/8 time. Pleasing and not overwhelming,
Matthew Kaminski shows great promise as a studio player, while his live shows likely stretch out farther. This recording comes recommended, with much more to come. ~ Michael G. Nastos