JSngry Posted June 12, 2003 Report Posted June 12, 2003 Found this one at Dusty Groove a few weeks ago, and must say that I'd never heard of it at all, which considering that it's a live trio date w/Smith, Donald Bailey, and GEORGE BENSON (Nathan Page on one tune), seems odd. Seems to be a late 60s/very early 70s thing, released after FURTHER ADVENTURES OF JIMMY AND WES. Said to have been recorded at Paschal's La Carousel in Atlanta, Georgia and produced by Esmond Edwards. Benson, it says "appears through the courtesy of A&M Records" so this seems to date it in the days when CTI was an A&M thing. Some questions: Was Benson just sitting in on this gig? The appearance of Page suggests that possibility. But what the heck was Verve doing in ATLANTA to record a live Smith date? That suggests the possibility that Benson was touring with Smith, if only for a limited time, and that somebody wanted an album out of the collaboration. Anybody know?Why is this album so unfamilar to me? Is it something that all hardcore Smith buffs know about and are familiar with? I'm surprised as well that it's not been reissued at least once, what with the marquis draw of George Benson. It's a really nice record - the crowd is really noisy (assuming that the noise is real), and the music is mellow yet involved, the kind of thing that makes perfect hip background music. Until you start listening to it, that is... And on a side note, the LP back shows the album before FURTHER ADVENTURES as LIVIN' IT UP, another bib band date arranged by Oliver Nelson and anothe Smith Verve I was totally unaware of. Anybody ever hear it? Opinions? As always, thanks in advance! Quote
Jim Alfredson Posted June 12, 2003 Report Posted June 12, 2003 Haven't listened to this in a while, but I remember it as being quite good. I believe George Benson is just a guest that popped in that night. I have no idea why they haven't re-released it. Same thing goes for "It's Necessary", a great live date that has Teddy Edwards on it!!! I have Livin' It Up on a Japanese CD reissue. It has some cheesy moments, like the first track... The Theme to Mission Impossible. But hey, with Oliver Nelson arranging, how cheesy can it be, right? And yes, they do keep the tune in 5/4 even in Jimmy's solo. Overall it's a nice addition to his big band output. Quote
Soul Stream Posted June 12, 2003 Report Posted June 12, 2003 (edited) IMHO this is the BEST Jimmy Smith record he ever did. On ANY label. Simply amazing. I can't give it a stronger recommendation. This is THE record. Edited June 12, 2003 by Soul Stream Quote
pryan Posted June 12, 2003 Report Posted June 12, 2003 Sounds like a sweet find, Jim. Dammit, this just further underscores your point about regularly checking Dusty Groove! I've still fought off the temptation. No more "triumphant" stories like this, OK? Quote
JSngry Posted June 12, 2003 Author Report Posted June 12, 2003 IMHO this is the BEST Jimmy Smith record he ever did. On ANY label. Simply amazing. I can't give it a stronger recommendation. This is THE record. So, is it obsure to all but hardcore Smith buffs? I mean, I'm not a completist or anything w/Smith, but I am pretty familiar with his work. You'd think that w/Benson on board that this one would have been reissued by now and would be all famous and stuff. What's the deal? Quote
Soul Stream Posted June 12, 2003 Report Posted June 12, 2003 IMHO this is the BEST Jimmy Smith record he ever did. On ANY label. Simply amazing. I can't give it a stronger recommendation. This is THE record. So, is it obsure to all but hardcore Smith buffs? I mean, I'm not a completist or anything w/Smith, but I am pretty familiar with his work. You'd think that w/Benson on board that this one would have been reissued by now and would be all famous and stuff. What's the deal? Jim, I don't know why the HELL this record hasn't been re-released by Verve. I mean we got PETER AND THE WOLF for God's sake!!!!!! Why this one isn't more widely known by the general jazz loving public is for this very reason IMHO. No reissue. Undoubtedly, at the time it was recorded...a straightahead jazz organ trio live recording by ANYBODY wasn't going to move a lot of copies. So, it's not a record you see a whole lot in the used bins. ...more on this later Quote
mikeb Posted June 13, 2003 Report Posted June 13, 2003 I was familiar with this record but had never had the opportunity to grab it until very recently. Snagged a copy off of eBay for a good price. Looking forward to hearing it! Quote
Soul Stream Posted June 18, 2003 Report Posted June 18, 2003 Hey Jsngry....Is THE BOSS killing you yet? This is Jimmy's greatest moment imho.... And yes, WHEN ARE THEY REISSUING THIS????? Is there any place at Verve to e-mail and request this? Quote
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