Search - Jimmy Smith :: Crazy Baby

The Jimmy Smith Trio album to own

CJ Shearn | New York | 06/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Crazy Baby" was Jimmy Smith's first album of the sixties, a decade which would make him a household name. Jimmy is joined by new guitarist Quentin Warren, 19 at the time, and long time associate Donald Bailey on drums. The record is filled with tight swing, and the flawless Smith groove is kicked off with "When Johnny Comes Marching Home." The tune features one of the most exciting solos Jimmy ever recorded and he is constantly inspired and spurred on by Donald's fierce drumming. The trio burns on "A Night in Tunisia", "Sonnymoon For Two", and "Mack The Knife" before slowing down with a nice take on "What's New" highlighting Jimmy's expressive stop use. Jimmy recorded only 4 trio albums for Blue Note between 1960-1963, and this in my opinion is the best of the lot. The album is consistently swinging, and is a peek at things to come in terms of the trio's interplay in the next couple of years. Although not a player on the level of Smith's frequent collaborator Kenny Burrell, Quentin Warren is the gel that holds the trio together, perfectly complimenting Bailey's active drumming with solid comping. The CD contains two bonus tracks as well"

Another example of The Master at his best!

Joseph A. Clore | Plainfield, New Jersey | 04/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Years ago when being interviewed by the late Frankie Crocker on Buffalo, New York's WUFO, 1080 AM, Jimmy Smith stated that he thought that the "Crazy Baby" album was his best Blue Note offering. I agree.



Unfortunately, the Undisputed King of Jazz Organ passed on February 8, 2005. (I was able to attend his funeral in Philadelphia.) But due to recordings like this, and his Verve album "Organ Grinder Swing", we can still hear what jazz organ is supposed to sound like."

RECORDED IN THE 60's THIS ALBUM PROVED WHY JIMMY SMITH WOULD

Mr. Nightshift | Los Angeles, CA | 12/22/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The album kicks off with a funky version of "When Johnny Comes Marching Home", other stand outs cuts include: "Sonnymoon For Two", "Mack The Knife". The collection features Two (2) Bonus Tracks: "If I Should Lose You" & "When Lights Are Low", which gives you even more reasons to get rid of your old 'Dead Wax'."