ELEKTRA/MUSICIAN MONTH (FEBRUARY 2023)
In the '50s and '60s, Jimmy Smith was a prolific recording artist, sometimes releasing as many as five albums a year on various labels, including Blue Note and Verve. He slowed down only slightly into the '70s, but continued to average an album a year into the '90s. This is the second of his two releases on the Elektra/Musician label, recorded live at the Atlanta Free Jazz Festival, Saturday, September 3, 1983. (If I'm not mistaken, the term "free" refers to the price of admission to the festival, not the sub-genre of jazz to be performed.) Smith was pushing 60 at the time and could still deliver the goods. Judging from the liner notes, it seems like he had a great time:
Smith - organ, piano
Kenny Burrell - guitar
Johnny Griffin - tenor saxophone
Mike Baker - drums
I almost always look to see who is playing bass on Smith records and then facepalm as I remember that Smith is playing the bass lines himself...with his feet! This album is a fun, bluesy, soulful listen and Burrell often steals the show - what a great pairing. Plus, one track features Smith on solo piano which is a very rare treat indeed.
Reviews/ratings:
- Billboard
- Musician: "as unadorned and funky a record as the organist has made in years."
- Downbeat (★★★): "Not a bad set, but not inspired, either."
- The Rolling Stone Jazz & Blues Album Guide (1999): ★★★
- The Virgin Encyclopedia of Jazz (1999): ★★★
Album chart peaks:
- US Billboard 200: Did not chart
- Billboard Jazz: #35
- Radio & Records Jazz Airplay: #10
Tracks: The title blues track makes for a smokin' opener and is followed by a beautiful Burrell cut, Be Yourself, which is my favorite track today.
Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None, but 17-year-old Mark certainly would have had a great time and learned a great deal had he been at the Atlanta show that evening.
Previously revisited for the blog:
The Best of Jimmy Smith: The Blue Note Years (1988)
Back At The Chicken Shack (1963)
Houseparty (1958)
The Sermon! (1958)
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