"An organ trio session, with Jimmy Smith and Kenny Burrell. Jimmy is just on fire on this session! There are albums of him on which he is just crusing along, letting someone else put the fire in the session. But not here. The great idea on this session is that they put a mike on Jimmy, so you can actually hear his vocals expressions as well as his playing; just gives you a completely different approach than any other trio album out there. Highly recommended!"
Zillion stars album!!
Terje Biringvad | Oslo, Norway | 06/12/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The nearly four decades with musical magic between Jimmy Smith, Kenny Burrell and Grady Tate was kicked-off in 1965 with this master trio album. The album name - Organ Grinder Swing - became synonimous of Jimmy Smiths's concert highlight throughout his long career. "Organ Grinder Swing" opens this album and gets the treat you expect for this classic tune in fast straight 4/4 with fascinating interplay between Smith and Burrell(not too many organist have recorded this tune, guess why?). "Oh, No, Babe" is a drenched-down blues where both Smith and Burrell gives a power demonstration of their deep musical roots. The lovely ballad "I'll Close My Eyes" is 3 minute of pure mellowness and demonstrates Smiths passion for ballads. The later over-recorded "Satin Doll", written by Duke Ellington rounds up this great album with nice organ registration changes that became Jimmy's trademark (Smith always claimed that he was inspired by Erroll Garner playing block chords adding the Fats Waller sound). Organ jazz has produced many excellent drummers, but some stands out - Grady Tate is one of the few. And everything is said about Kenny Burrell and his guitar wizardry. Organ Grinder Swing is a must in every serious jazz collection!"
Gold
Leif Uhrbom | Lidkoping, Sweden | 09/26/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If You want to choose the best album of Jimmy Smith?
Why not this. Good recording and musicians when they play at the top. Be happy and forget all the troubles.
Leif Uhrbom Sweden"
Organ Grinder Swing!!
Chris Covais | 02/04/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is hot! Jimmy Smith is the master of the hammond B3 organ. This album demonstrates this statement very well. This album is smoking. Smith is in the best setting here. An organ trio with Kenny Burrell on guitar and Grady Tate on drums.
If you're looking for some organ grease to groove to, this is the best album to do so. Jimmy is on fire on this recording. A must have for any Jimmy Smith or hammond B3 fan!