Greg Hatza is a
Jimmy Smith-influenced organist who had not been on records for over 20 years before the release of this CD. He plays in a timeless style that very much harks back to the 1960s, particularly on the blues and standards. Two of the selections, a slower than usual version of "Moment's Notice" (made a bit funky) and an advanced original ("The Wizard"), find him breaking away from the
Jimmy Smith style and displaying his own interesting musical personality.
Hatza's backup group features a pair of strong voices in the
Jackie McLean-inspired altoist
Jim Snidero and versatile guitarist
Paul Bollenback, who switches from rock to
Wes Montgomery with little difficulty; drummer
Gary Jenkins is fine in support, and guest
Major Boyd adds his soulful soprano to "From Me to You." All in all, this is enjoyable, swinging music.