Smith Jimmy
Blue Note, 2004, CD
Instrument: Piano
Issue: 10.4
Jazz Ruler Type: Kool
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 
O’s Notes: We dig Jimmy Smith because he is among the pioneers who brought the Hammond B3 organ into jazz prominence. Best grouped with guitar, drums and sax, you’ll hear all of that on this 4-disc collection. Most importantly, you’ll hear Jimmy coax more sounds out of the B3 than you knew were possible leading to it’s adoption as a cool jazz and R&B instrument. Disc 1 (1956-57) is primarily a trio with Donald Bailey (d) and Thornel Schwartz. They really cook on “Judo Mambo”. Disc 2 (1957) places Eddie McFadden on guitar and includes outstanding work on sax from Lou Donaldson, particularly on the duet for “Summertime”. Disc 3 (1958-60) brings Kenny Burrell (g) into the fold along with Lee Morgan (t) on “Flamingo” and Ike Quebec on “Old Folks”. Stanley Turrentine shows up on Disc 4 (1960-63) playing tunes like “Midnight Special”. Take a listen and you’ll hear how Smith set the stage and influenced many on the B3.
