Jimmy Smith: Jimmy Smith/Talkin Verve: Roots of Acid Jazz

Organ master Jimmy Smith may disown the modern groove-jazz movement, but his influence-as the premier performer on what some claim is the acid jazz instrument- is undeniable. Any neo-soulster who isn’t acquainted with Smith’s material needs to go get a late pass. The B-3 virtuoso’s unerring feel for the lowdown, nasty and funky produced jazz organ catechism for more than four decades. For soul-jazz-come-latelies, Jimmy Smith/Talkin Verve: Roots of Acid Jazz (Verve 314-531 563-2, 73:16), is a good introduction to Smith’s genius, a grab bag of tracks from albums like Organ Grinder Swing, Groove Drops and Got My Mojo Workin. While he hooks up with a large band on some tracks (check the down and dirty “Blues In the Night”) the smaller combo stuff-“Organ Grinder’s Swing” and “Mellow Mood” and “The Sermon” featuring folks like Kenny Burrell, Grady Tate, Wes Montgomery-generally work the best.

Originally Published March 1, 1997