The material might be brand new (other than "Change The World," all of the songs are by organist
Greg Hatza), but
Snake Eyes is very much a throwback in spirit to the great soul-jazz/hard bop organ dates of the 1960s.
Hatza shows that he is one of the top jazz organists of the late '90s/early 21st century although he is far from a household name. He sets a variety of catchy grooves and plays challenging solos that inspire his sidemen. Tenor saxophonist
Ralph Lalama and guitarist Paul Bollenbeck are in fine form, and drummer
Dennis Chambers keeps the grooves flowing at an explosive level. Fans of soul-jazz organ will certainly enjoy this date by the underrated
Hatza. ~ Scott Yanow