Another of those Verve compilations that focus on a specific mood or aspect of repertoire, in order to maximize the mileage from back catalog. This focuses on Jimmy's ballads and slow groovers with an afterhours atmosphere. Given
Smith's immense discography (at one time it seemed like he was on the album-a-month plan), it's really not a bad way for novices to acquaint themselves with more of his material, though this compilation doesn't have the pumping uptempo chuggers for which he's most renowned. The ten songs span 1963 to 1972 (all but one were recorded prior to 1967), and feature top-notch sidemen like Wes Montgomery, Kenny Burrell, and Grady Tate. ~ Richie Unterberger