Who will fill Jimmy Smiths shoes?

[Hardbopjazz]

With the recent passing of Jimmy Smith, it made me wonder who will be the new king of the organ.

[Jim Alfredson]

Well, Joey is a master of Jimmy's style. Lonnie really has his own thing going, although he can pull out the "Jimmy Smith" when he wants to (which he does on a cut off his latest disc).

I would have to go with Joey, just because he can do anything he wants.

[Hardbopjazz]

If I left any organist off from this board, didn't mean to.

[Hardbopjazz]

Well, Joey is a master of Jimmy's style. Lonnie really has his own thing going, although he can pull out the "Jimmy Smith" when he wants to (which he does on a cut off his latest disc).

I would have to go with Joey, just because he can do anything he wants.

You really think he has Jimmy Smith Style? I have to go back and listen to his records.

[mikeweil]

I think noone can, and noone should - I always thought the days of those big # 1 superstars in jazz overshadowing all other talents are over - on any instrument.

I'm glad there is such a wealth of talent with different styles around, and we don't need a king in jazz - jazz is a democracy rather than a royalty. I sincerely appreciate all of the players mentioned.

[Adam]

Do we need an organ king?

[Jazzmoose]

Do we need an organ king?

Well...if you ask it that way...who filled John Holmes' shoes, anyway?

[Soul Stream]

For my money, Dr. Lonnie Smith is the prince who should be made king. He deserves the crown, and has been in Joey's shadow far to long as far as the press goes. Not to take away from Joey, but to me, Lonnie's a true original!. He's so exciting and a virtuoso performer. He has his own personality that's downright wacky. Which all of the greats ultimately have, a real sense of self.

I've seen both, but man....Lonnie rules in my book. I LOVE that guy!

Edited February 26, 2005 by Soul Stream

[Jim Alfredson]

Well, Joey is a master of Jimmy's style.  Lonnie really has his own thing going, although he can pull out the "Jimmy Smith" when he wants to (which he does on a cut off his latest disc). 

I would have to go with Joey, just because he can do anything he wants.

You really think he has Jimmy Smith Style? I have to go back and listen to his records.

Yes. Try to find a copy of "All Or Nothing At All" (I think it's being sold on CDBaby now) or "All About My Girl". The stuff is pure Jimmy Smith.

Soul Stream, you make a convincing case. Can I change my vote?

[Soulstation1]

in the new downbeat magazine

Listening to the rough mixes, joey d cocks his head and makes what some might find a startling confession, noting that "sometimes when i hear us both, I'm not sure who's playing what. It's weird." Or maybe not.

i'm tellin' ya pick up the march downbeat with pharoah sanders and kenny garrett on the cover.

joey says "those latin tags are the shit"

Edited February 26, 2005 by Soulstation1

[Soul Stream]

As much as this is a fun game....we all know there was one and only one Jimmy Smith! Thank goodness he came through and stayed as long as he did. Wish we could say that for the others in his brotherhood like Trane, Parker, Blanton, Clifford Brown, Lee Morgan, Larry Young...

Jimmy outlasted lots.

But I will say this. I hope Dr. Lonnie Smith does get his due now. He's been waiting behind Jimmy and Joey in the "give-me-some" line a long time. Hopefully, we'll start seeing more articles, better placement in polls, and better attendance and encouragement for his art.

There's not a lot of the original cats like Lonnie left...Melvin Rhyne, Trudy Pitts, Reuben Wilson, Rhoda Scott, Leon Spencer Jr. and Ceasar Frazier to name some of the crew. Hope they all get more attention in the next few years.

[jazzmessenger]

I have a soft spot for Melvin Rhyne since he is local, but I voted for Joey D.