Root Down -- Jimmy Smith Live!

[Larry Kart]

I'm sure that others here are way ahead of me, but I just ran across this excellent 1972 Verve album. Smith with guitarist Arthur Adams, bassist Wilton Felder, drummer Paul Humphrey, and congaist Buck Clarke in what might be called a fusion set because they just fuse together. Listen, for one, to Felder behind Smith toward the end of "After Hours."
 

 

[ep1str0phy]

I love this record, though i recognize that a lot of its cache has something to do with its status among beatmakers (esp. Beastie Boys) and rare groove collectors. The thing that sets this one apart is that there's genuine spontaneity and momentum driving the period affectations, and I feel like it's more the apotheosis of this style rather than a cash in. Paul Humphrey is fucking unbelievable throughout, for one:

 

[Larry Kart]

3 hours ago, ep1str0phy said:

I love this record, though i recognize that a lot of its cache has something to do with its status among beatmakers (esp. Beastie Boys) and rare groove collectors. The thing that sets this one apart is that there's genuine spontaneity and momentum driving the period affectations, and I feel like it's more the apotheosis of this style rather than a cash in. Paul Humphrey is fucking unbelievable throughout, for one:

 

Humphrey sure is.