Jimmy Smith and Donald Bailey (in the background) during Smith’s Cool Blues session, Small’s Paradise, New York City, April 7 1958 (photo by Francis Wolff)

Jimmy Smith - Back Talk (1963)

Jimmy Smith and Grant Green recorded together just once in the studio. Based on both players’ legendary strengths in the small-combo organ/guitar/drums setting, plus the fact that they were two of the most prolific and oft-recorded musicians in the Blue Note stable, it is bewildering and borderline criminal that Alfred Lion didn’t figure out a way to get them in the studio more often. As it was, the results here are of the utmost quality, and the simpatico between the two feels absolutely intrinsic and palpable.

Jimmy Smith - I Almost Lost My Mind (1963)

Inspired by Atane’s post, I wanted to play music to accompany the image. 

Stanley Turrentine’s sound almost always strikes a perfect tone in these down-home, organ-driven proceedings. Together with the original down-home groove merchant, Jimmy Smith, amidst the empathetic coaxing and cajoling of Quentin Warren and Donald Bailey, the blues on hand steadily walks the walk while the memorable solos deliver the feeling.

Jimmy Smith - Old Folks (1960)

The Ike Quebec/Jimmy Smith connection, Part 2.

This LP was recorded on the same day as my previous post. As per usual, Quebec’s smoky sound and balladeering prowess are a welcome elixir after a long day at the lectern.

Jimmy Smith - Time After Time (1960)

As this LP was recorded eight years before it was finally released in 1968, the late 60s sleeve art—redolent of a coffee advertisement—becomes a curious non sequitur to the music on hand. But don’t let the art fool you: the music on this LP rewards a careful listen. Ike Quebec is at his second peak in a brilliant career and he is in his element, blowing big and round and beautiful over Jimmy Smith’s organ genius.