Two albums by the jazz organist Jimmy Smith are set to obtain a reissue courtesy of Verve Data’ Acoustic Sounds Vinyl Collection. Remastered variations of Bashin’: The Unpredictable Jimmy and Organ Grinder Swing are set for launch in January 2026.
Bashin’ was Smith’s first album for Verve, recorded in 1962. It options Smith flexing his Hammond B-3 expertise throughout two very completely different configurations. The primary 4 songs are carried out with an Oliver Nelson-conducted massive band that featured future Tonight Present band members Doc Severinsen and drummer Ed Shaughnessy. The latter three tracks function Smith’s standard trio with Quentin Warren (guitar) and Donald Bailey (drums).
This historic set marked a turning level for Smith’s profession, with the instrumental observe “Walk on the Wild Side” turning into his greatest hit to that time, reaching #21 on Billboard’s Scorching 100 chart. That very same 12 months, the unique model of the track, carried out by Brook Benton, was nominated for an Oscar as a theme for a movie of the identical title.
Organ Grinder Swing was launched in mid-1965 and noticed Smith take a break from the everyday massive band classes he’d been doing for Verve. He constructed a pared-down trio consisting of Kenny Burrell (guitar) and Grady Tate (drums) for a efficiency of blues and jazz requirements, in addition to Smith’s personal “Blues For J.” Organ Grinder Swing was the second-highest-charting album of Smith’s profession, reaching quantity 15 on the US Billboard 200 charts. It was on the charts for 31 weeks.
In December, Blue Word Data will reissue Smith’s 1958 album Home Occasion as a part of their Traditional Vinyl Collection. The freewheeling session touches on bebop, blues, and requirements and options Lee Morgan (trumpet), Curtis Fuller (trombone), Lou Donaldson and George Coleman (alto sax), Tina Brooks (tenor sax), Kenny Burrell and Eddie McFadden (guitar), and Artwork Blakey and Donald Bailey (drums).
Store Verve’s Acoustic Sounds Collection now.
