Sessions like this are proof that Jimmy was one of the most fantastic organ players ever – as his work with large arrangements (supplied here by Claus Ogerman) always seems to groove better than his work with small combos. His sound is impeccable, and he soars ahead of the rest of the orchestra with hard biting soulful solos that are just amazing. Titles include "The Ape Woman", "Any Number Can Win", "G'Won Train", "Tubs", and "Ruby". Packaged in a nice groovy gatefold, too!
Jazz pioneer and Hammond Organ s most acclaimed practitioner, Jimmy Smith bridged the gap between soul and jazz, and along with the likes of Ray Charles, forged a sound that appealed to a wide ranging cross-section of music fans during the 50s and 60s. Smith s instrument of choice, the Hammond B-3 with its unique sound and unusual range, adapted well to the genre s flexible leanings, and while Smith was far from the first jazz musician to utilise the organ - legends Count Basie and Fats Waller had both done so in an earlier era - Smith applied the instrument in such a way as to attract the mainstream; he was rewarded for this by becoming one of jazz music s household names and by having his albums fly high on the Billboard Chart in the early 1960s - an unusual feat for a jazz man. This 4CD compilation brings together eight of Jimmy Smith s finest albums, recorded for the Verve label between 1962 and 1964. Including a number of his most successful and critically acclaimed works, all of which originate from this hugely accomplished musician s golden age, this release will serve as both the perfect introduction to Smith s music for the less well versed, and as the ultimate collection for everyone else.