Fred Jackson Hootin' `N Tootin' (1962) {ron Mcmaster Remastered 1998}

Unjustly ignored at the time of its release, Fred Jackson's lone album, Hootin' 'N Tootin', is a thoroughly enjoyable set of funky soul-jazz with hard bop overtones. It is true that Jackson doesn't try anything new on the set, but he proves to be a capable leader, coaxing hot, infectious performances out of guitarist Willie Jones, organist Earl Vandyke and drummer Wilbert Hogan, all of whom were collegues of Jackson in the Lloyd Price band. All of the songs on the album are Jackson originals, and while there are no substantial, memorable melodies, they provide an excellent foundation for the group's smoking interplay. Both the uptempo R&B numbers and the slower blues give the musicians plenty of opportunity to flaunt their chops while working the groove, and the result is a modest but highly entertaining set of earthy, bluesy soul-jazz that should have been heard by a wider audience…

Blue Note's So Blue, So Funky, Vol. 1 is a 12-track compilation that highlights the funkiest soul-jazz organists that recorded for the label, whether it was a leader or as a sideman. Although there's a handful of cuts from the early '60s, such as "Face to Face" by the terrific, underrated Baby Face Willette, the compilation leans toward the funky fusions of the late '60s, such as Big John Patton's "Fat Judy," Lou Donaldson's "Everything I Do Is Gon' Be Funky (From Now On)," Jack McDuff's "Butter for Yo' Popcorn" and Grant Green's "Ain't It Funky Now." The best thing about this comp is that even though it has familiar names, not all of the material is readily available on CD, which makes it of interest to casual groove fans and serious collectors alike.

Jimmy Smith - Standards (1959) {Blue Note 21282, Ron McMaster, rel 1998}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 407 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 159 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 21 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1957-59, 1998 Blue Note / Capitol Records | 7243 8 21282 2 9
Jazz / Hard Bop/ Soul Jazz / Organ

Jimmy Smith's "Standards" album is a delightful look at the greatest of all jazz organists in a relaxed trio setting. Recorded over three sessions from 1957-59, "Standards" is not a greatest hits type collection. If anything it should be viewed as a companion piece to "Home Cookin" (much like "The Sermon" and "House Party" go together) as both CDs derive most of their material from 7/15/58 and 5/24/59 sessions. Like so many jazz releases, all the upbeat numbers from the recording dates went to one title ("Home Cookin") and all the contemplative ballads to another (originally on vinyl as "On The Sunny Side" and now on CD as "Standards", as it should be noted that the last half of "Standards" had never previously been issued.)

Sonny Clark - Standards (1958) {Blue Note 724382128328, Ron McMaster rel 1998)
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 402 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 148 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (png) -> 11 Mb | 5% repair rar | SBM by Ron McMaster
© 1958, 1998 Blue Note / Capitol | 7243 8 21283 2 8
Jazz / Bop / Hard Bop / Piano

The sessions that comprise the 14-track Standards were recorded by Sonny Clark at the end of 1958, with the intention that his interpretations would be issued as 45-rpm singles. His takes on these 12 standards (two of the tracks are alternate takes) are exceptional. Supported by drummer Wes Landers and, on varying dates, either Paul Chambers or Jymie Merritt on bass, Clark turns in lyrical, sensitive renditions of "Dancing In the Dark," "All of You," "I Cover the Waterfront," "I Can't Give You Anything But Love," "Black Velvet" and "I'm Just a Lucky So And So," among others. Although some of the performances are a little brief, limiting his opportunity to solo, Standards is a lovely collection of beautiful music that's a welcome addition to Clark's catalog.