Cool Blues [Bonus Tracks]

Read About This Recording

Jimmy Smith made such a major impact on the jazz organ when he emerged in New York in 1956, that it is sometimes forgotten that the organ was used in jazz up to three decades earlier. Fats Waller in the 1920s recorded a series of historic pipe organ solos. Count Basie can be heard on rare recordings on organ in the 1930s and '40s, Wild Bill Davis made the organ sound like a big band, and Bill Doggett brought the organ into R&B, having a hit with Honky Tonk.

But Jimmy Smith was the instrument's revolutionary. After woodshedding on organ for a few years in Philadelphia, his emergence in 1956 shocked the jazz world for he played his instrument with the facility of a Charlie Parker. An extroverted stylist not shy to play with the power of an orchestra, Smith was a master of blues, bop and ballads. He has remained a highly influential force up to the present time.

Cool Blues was expanded from four selections to seven with this CD reissue. Jimmy Smith and his regular trio with guitarist Eddie McFadden and drummer Donald Bailey (with Art Blakey taking Bailey's place on two numbers), are joined by altoist Lou Donaldson on five numbers, three of which also have tenor-saxophonist Tina Brooks. Cool Blues, Groovin' at Small's and a 17-minute version of A Night in Tunisia are among the most exciting selections.

-Scott Yanow

Contents

Remastered!

Dark Eyes; Groovin' At Small's; Announcement by Babs Gonzales; A Night in Tunisia; Cool Blues; What's New; Small's Minor; Once in a While.

Jimmy Smith, Organ; Lou Donaldson, Alto Sax; Tina Brooks, Tenor Sax; Eddie McFadden, Guitar; Art Blakey, Donald Bailey, Drums.