As part of Blue Note's
Finest in Jazz series, Hammond organ pioneer
Jimmy Smith is spotlighted on seven tracks, six recorded between 1956 and 1960, and "Fungii Mama" released in 1986 upon his return to the label some 20 years later. This set is aimed at the casual listener and includes top-notch soul-jazz performances of "I Got a Woman," "Minor Chant" and
Dizzy Gillespie's signature tune "The Champ."
Smith, guitarist
Thornel Schwartz and drummer
Donald Bailey are joined by fellow Blue Note alumni
Lee Morgan,
Kenny Burrell and
Stanley Turrentine, among others, making this a nice sampler for the novice at a mid-line price. ~ Al Campbell