Thu Jan 23
Greg Hatza - organ
Peter Fraize - saxophone
Brian Kooken - guitar
Robert Shahid - drums
In 1994, Greg met Joey DeFranscesco who told him the Hammond B-3 was enjoying a popular renaissance. He formed the Greg Hatza ORGANization and has been performing and recording on the instrument non-stop since that time. With the trend towards more advanced electronic keyboard and rhythms now, Greg adapted to the trend, switching from the Hammond B-3 to the electric keyboard and piano.
In the late sixties, Baltimore was still an organ town and had its share of great players. It was here that Greg really got a chance to hone his jazz organ skills by playing with the best musicians in town. Lenny’s club was a great stopping point for national jazz artists who came to Baltimore to perform. He also met and got to play in jam sessions with such personalities as Kenny Burrell, Groove Holmes, Damita Joe, Philly Joe Jones, Roland Kirk, Les McCann, James Moody, and Sonny Stitt.