Album Review
The CD is also a tribute to the great guitarist Wes Montgomery, who recorded several popular, genre-busting albums with Smith back in the sixties. Houston-based guitarist Brennen Nase steps up and steps into Montgomery's role and his playing is a joy to hear. Montgomery's sound and technique—not to mention right hand thumb—were truly one of a kind. Nase easily navigates what amounts to several decades of guitar history, channeling Montgomery on the standard 'Baby It's Cold Outside' and the Lyle-penned tribute, 'Feelin' Wes,' bringing some inspired funk to Lyle's 'Horizon,' and stepping on the distortion pedal for 'Hard Workin' Man,' which includes some vocals from Lyle and the CD's featured drummer, Patrick Williams. Not content to just recreate a 1965 Verve recording session, Lyle brings the Hammond B-3's legacy into the 21st century for a program that includes New Orleans second line, gospel, and even sixties-era go-go music. The playing on THE WAY I FEEL is tight and inspired and Lyle's organ playing burns throughout. Smith may arguably be responsible for making the Hammond B-3 a 'viable lead jazz instrument,' but with THE WAY I FEEL, Lyle and his co-conspirators carry that legacy and kick it into a funky future. Personnel on THE WAY I FEEL: Bobby Lyle: Hammond B-3 organ, acoustic piano, synthesizer; Brennen Nase: guitar; Patrick Williams: drums; Mark Simmons: drums; Mark Prince: drums; Keith Vivens: bass; Milton Comeaux: percussion.