Organist Smith"s career stretches back to the 1960s heyday of soul jazz, and over the years he"s played with an impressive range of artists from jazz leaders (George Benson, Lou Donaldson) to pillars of soul and pop (including Etta James and Gladys Knight). Too Damn Hot! finds his robust Hammond B-3 moving easily from funk (the saucy "Back Track") to fusionist updates ("Track 9"), balladry ("Silver Serenade"), and plenty of riveting organ-combo forays (such as "The Whip"). Smith"s roots naturally and confidently mix a healthy range of music, all connected and empowered by his committed playing, full of both invention and tradition. --David Greenberger