Greg Hatza ORGANization

Recorded on April 10, 2022

Greg Hatza, Hammond B3 Organ
Brian Kookon, guitar
Robert Shahid, drums
Special guest: Baakari Wilder, tap dance

Greg Hatza is one of the great, unsung heroes of the jazz organ. An acknowledged master of the jazz organ -- an expressive instrument that bears traditions ranging from gospel to blues -- Hatza coaxes his own brand of rootsy, blues-based jazz from the instrument, a funky, soulful, sinuous sound that satisfies the groove junkie in every listener. He also expanded his stylistic scope to include distinct international elements studying tabla, sitar and erhu, a two-stringed Chinese fiddle.

A native of Reading, PA, Hatza’s musical instincts developed as early and as naturally as the ability to walk, and by the age of four, he was picking out blues and boogie woogie tunes on the piano and started formal lessons shortly thereafter. He became obsessed with the Hammond B3 organ as a teen when a friend turned him on to records by Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff, Ray Charles, and Johnny Hammond Smith. At 16, he played his first professional jazz gig with the Frankie Scott Trio

Baltimore Colts football great and jazz fan Lenny Moore heard him and asked the teenager to perform at a club he was opening in Baltimore. Moore became his manager and Baltimore became Hatza’s home. He played at the club for four years and during that time recorded two albums. In the late sixties, Baltimore was still an organ town and had its share of great players. Hatza really got a chance to hone his jazz organ skills by playing with the best national musicians in town at Moore’s Club.

Hatza has become a fixture on the Baltimore jazz scene. He received a degree in composition from the Peabody Conservatory, and a Master’s from Baltimore’s Towson State University, where he taught jazz, piano composition, improvisation and music theory for many years turning students on to the wonders of the organ as well.

He also expanded his stylistic scope to include distinct international elements studying tabla, sitar and erhu, a two-stringed Chinese fiddle.

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LUNCH MENU

First Course choice of:

Soup of the Week
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Garden Salad
Mixed greens/omatoes/cucumbers/red onions/choice of dressing

Caesar Salad
Romaine lettuce/garlic croutons/shaved Parmesan/Caesar dressing

Second Course choice of:

Blancos Signature Wings (3)
Tossed in your choice of bold flavors

Cajun Catfish Tenders (3)
Seasoned with our signature spice blend/house-made chipotle tartar sauce

Third Course choice of:

Fried Catfish Sandwich
lettuce/tomato/American cheese/chipotle mayo/Texas toast

Jerk Chicken Cheesesteak
pepper jack cheese/tomato/lettuce/sauteed peppers & onions/mango chutney mayo/soft coco bread

Creole Crabcake Sandwich ($6 additional)
lump crab/lettuce/tomato/chipotle tarter sauce/brioche bun

Fourth Course choice of:

Triple Chocolate Brownie Sundae
vanilla ice cream/chocolate syrup/whipped cream

Sweet Potato Pie
served with vanilla ice cream

Coffee or Tea