Johnny "Hammond" Smith

[Eric]

I don't own a thing by this guy - and Fantasy has reissued a ton of it. Any suggestions on where to start and why?

Thanks

[Jim Alfredson]

There's a record called "Black Coffee" I believe. If that's not the title, then the cover is a shot of the trio playing live... black and white. BAD record! Get it.

That's a good start...

[king ubu]

Start here for a free download of a smokin' tune (heard this two days ago, my first encounter with J.H. Smith, and I have to say: big )

ubu

[Noj]

I'll second JSngry's Black Coffee suggestion, and add that both Legends Of Acid Jazz volumes are excellent.

[JSngry]

I'll second JSngry's Black Coffee suggestion,

Well, thanks, but....

[JSngry]

There's a Kudu side w/Joe Henderson that's pretty commercial (relatively speaking), but the grooves are true.

[Noj]

Whoops! Got my Sangrey crossed with my Alfredson...

[Late]

This is Smith's second album on New Jazz. I have to say — it's one of the most satisfying organ records from the 50's that I've heard. I love the treatment of "I'll Remember April." It sounds like kitsch at first ... but repeated listenings reveal how much Smith knew exactly what he was doing with the tune. The grace notes are both hilarious and hip. The Japanese reissue from five years back (UCCO 5376) has staggeringly good sound. Rudy nailed it that day.

On 6/11/2004 at 9:17 PM, Jim Alfredson said:

There's a record called "Black Coffee" I believe. If that's not the title, then the cover is a shot of the trio playing live ... black and white.

Dig how chill Seldon Powell is on the cover.