Note: the CD I listened to was the mono 2008 Rudy Van Gelder Edition.
Smith's first live album, recorded on August 4, 1956 at Club Baby Grand in Wilmington, Delaware, just months after his first Blue Note releases. We're treated to Smith in a loose, exuberant club environment, where his astonishing technique is apparent. And, for the most part, the rhythm section gets the hell out of the way and lets Smith shine. More relaxed and less polished than Smith's studio records, sure, but it's solid work and, at times, electrifying.
Smith - organ
Thornel Schwartz - guitar
Donald Bailey - drums
Original liner notes by Leonard Feather. 2008 reissue liner notes by Bob Blumenthal.
Reviews/ratings:
- Billboard (74 out of 100): "skillful modern stylings strapped to a fundamental, deep-rooted beat."
- The Virgin Encyclopedia of Jazz (1999): ★★★
Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: Did not chart
Tracks, with favorites indicated:
| Title | Writer(s) | ||
| 1 | Introduction | Mitch Thomas | |
| 2 | Sweet Georgia Brown | Maceo Pinkard | ✔ |
| 3 | Where Or When | Rodgers & Hart | |
| 4 | The Preacher | Horace Silver | ✔ |
| 5 | Rosetta | Earl Hines & Henri Woode |
Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None
Previously revisited for the blog:
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