Search - Johnny Smith :: Moonlight in Vermont

Jazz guitar gem

Anthony Cooper | Louisville, KY United States | 02/13/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Johnny Smith is a Kentucky-born guitarist who moved somewhat on the periphery of jazz (he did a lot of soundtrack session work), but made at least one classic jazz CD, this one. Smith had a quintet for these sessions. Besides the piano-bass-drums rhythm section, he works with either Stan Getz, Zoot Sims, or Paul Quinichette. The breezy mood of the uptempo songs reminds me of "The Swinging Guitar Of Tal Farlow". Smith's guitar style is more chordal than Farlow's. While Smith is no Wes Montgomery, you could almost draw a line from Smith to Montgomery. The saxophones all play with a lot of style and discretion - they're not there to show up the leader. The CD is a blend of ballads and fast ones. Smith shows a little more fire on his originals, it's a shame he didn't do more. The album closes on a strong version of "My Funny Valentine". So this is a very good, CD, highly recommended to jazz guitar fans."

One Of The Great Jazz Classics!

Michael Gannon | Westchester County, NY | 05/03/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"We all have opinions but there are a few reviews here that have some errors. Johnny Smith was born in Alabama and was raised in a musical family. He played many instruments including Trumpet while serving in the military. Another comment said that Smith was no Wes Montgomery. Well, that's correct in that they are two completely different styles of jazz playing and two different era's. Smith's talents match if not exceed most players of that era, not that he would ever agree with this, being a very humble man. Django Reinhardt knew and admired him! I once had the honor and pleasure of meeting Chuck Wayne at a NYC club and he said that Johhny was amoung the very top players who ever picked up a guitar! Barney Kessel said that other players may play nearly as good but there are none who played better! 'Nuff said on this!

As for this recording, you take the silky smooth playing of Johnny Smith and combine

that with the awesome talents of Stan Getz, and Zoot Sims and you have a classic.

The wonderful recording of the lovely 'Moonlight In Vermont' was the 1952 DownBeat Magazine Jazz Record of the year. Add to that the uptempo pieces like 'Jaguar' and 'Tabu' along with many other classic songs and you have the perfect jazz record to sit, relax and enjoy."

Classic and incredibly fine jazz

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 10/04/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard of Johnny Smith when I got a copy of his record album entitled The Johnny Smith Foursome, Volume Two. Wow, was I amazed at how good they all could play! On this CD, Johnny Smith plays magnificent jazz with Stan Getz, Zoot Sims and Paul Quinichette. Smith is not recognized these days as he should be but maybe that will change with continued sales of CDs like this one. Every number's a winner here; there are no duds--this music is all THAT good. The quality of the sound is excellent, too.



"Where or When" starts off the album with these artists doing a superlative job; they never miss a beat and they make this a fantastic beginning track for the CD! "Tabu" is equally well done; they inject a lot of creativity into this one! Listen also for gems including the title track which really got them recognized in a big way--"Moonlight in Vermont."



"Jaguar" gets the royal treatment from the group; and I love "Stars Fell on Alabama;" "Tenderly" and "(I Don't Stand A) Ghost of a Chance." "Vilia" and "Cavu" show off their brilliance yet again; and there's more wonderful music when they play "I'll Be Around" to perfection--and beyond; "Yesterdays;" "Cherokee" with that very energetic arrangement; "Sometimes I'm Happy" and "Nice Work If You Can Get It." They make these tunes all their own with their remarkably fine interpretations; and it all works wonders for the music.



There's also an alternate version of "Jaguar;" and the CD closes with a splendid treatment of "My Funny Valentine." It leaves me wanting more!



Overall, any fan of Johnny Smith, the artists with whom he plays on this album or even classic jazz/jazz guitar music in general should run, not walk, to get this CD if they don't have it already! This is also a fine introduction to the artistry of Johnny Smith."