JIMMY SMITH
House Party (Blue Note)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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House Party was originally recorded in 1957 and has long been out of print. Blue Note re-released it last year as part of it's Rudy Van Gelder Edition (24-bit resolution). As a result the sound is extraordinary.

Jimmy Smith originally was a pianist, but switched to organ a mere 4 years before these recordings. Not only could Smith lay down a wicked solo full of lyricism and emotion, but his outstanding comping behind the other featured soloists was a joy to hear. His sense of rhythm was the cohesive glue holding this session together. As a result, all the musicians on this album sound like they were driven by Smith that day to produce passionate and exciting music, which, given the status of the performers, says a lot.

On the two Charlie Parker numbers, "Au Privave" and "Confirmation", Smith is joined by Lee Morgan on trumpet, Lou Donaldson on alto saxophone, Tina Brooks on tenor, Kenny Burrell on guitar, and the great Art Blakey on drums. For "Lover Man", Smith uses a quartet with Donaldson on alto, Eddie McFadden on guitar, and Donald Baily on drums. On "Just Friends" Smith choose Lee Morgan on trumpet, Curtis Fuller on trombone, George Coleman on alto, Eddie McFadden on guitar, and Donald Baily on drums. Finally, "Blues After All" featured the same personnel as "Just Friends", except Kenny Burrell is on guitar.

The music on this cd is outstanding. Everyone employs impressive improvisation technique driven by Smith on hammond organ and Blakey and Baily on drums. The new liner notes state "These musicians were simply on fire, and produced some of the best work of their individual careers." Amen. I recommend you come on over and join Jimmy Smith for one fine house party.

© 2001 - Ron Saranich