Home Cookin' [Bonus Tracks] [Remaster]

Performer: Jimmy Smith (Organ)
Artist: Kenny Burrell
Engineer: Rudy Van Gelder; Rudy Van Gelder
Producer: Alfred Lion; Alfred Lion; Michael Cuscuna (Reissue)
Distributor: EMI Music Distribution

Notes: Personnel: Jimmy Smith (organ); Jimmy Smith ; Kenny Burrell (guitar); Percy France (tenor saxophone); Donald Bailey (drums). Audio Remasterer: Rudy Van Gelder. Liner Note Authors: Ira Gitler; Bob Blumenthal. Recording information: Van Gelder Studios, Englewood Cliffs, NJ (05/24/1958-06/16/1958). Photographer: Francis Wolff. Smith's superb keyboard technique is only half of his musical magic. The other is his astonishing ability to paint atmospheres and create exquisite moods. The feeling of this album is perfectly evinced, relaxed and cool, spacious yet textured and sophisticated enough to keep the ear consistently intrigued. The album's title and cover photo are an homage to a soul food diner in Harlem called Kate's Home Cooking, and the tunes parallel a range of subtle, carefully prepared flavors. Traditional slow and mid-tempo blues predominate, such as "See See Rider" and "Come On Baby," kept fresh though Percy France's Lester Young-influenced playing, Kenny Burrell's clean guitar lines and Smith's deeply soulful leads. The sly riffing on "Gracie" and the jazz thematics of "Apostrophe" are also highlights. HOME COOKIN' offers the perfect blend of style and substance, of traditional soul and modern cool (not to mention five bonus tracks unissued on the original LP) in a mix that's tasty and utterly satisfying. This Japanese import contains a 24-bit remastering of Jimmy Smith's (organ) Blue Note era release Home Cookin' (1959). Although he never gained 'household name' status, his expansive catalog of recordings has long been considered as essential listening for lovers of post-bop and jazz keyboard. Joined by Donald Bailey (drums), Kenny Burrell (guitar), with occasional contributions from Percy France (tenor sax), Smith winds his trio through a selection of sublime R&B standards and fundamental originals. "See See Rider" kicks things off with a laid-back and sultry take of the Ma Rainey classic. Immediately, Smith and Burrell create a responsive interplay that gently builds into refining vamping and solo trading. "Sugar Hill" is a light and optimistic Burrell composition that bops as the co-leads call-and-respond in a game of musical tag. They continue their spirited chiding on the brisk interpretation of Ray Charles' "I Got a Woman." The refined visage should not be mistaken for an average or rote performance. On the contrary, Bailey's solid backbeat provides the perfect setting with every beat well placed. Ironically, just as the combo establishes a free-flowing exchange, alas the song fades out. France is front and center on both "Messin' Around" and "Gracie," supplying a notable dimension of texture and presence to the ensemble. He ably maneuvers the tricky syncopated melody, adding prudently to the respectively driving post-bop rhythms. Other worthwhile excursions are Burrell's "Come on Baby"and two rousing readings of Jimmy McGriff's "Motorin' Along" -- one of which is among the supplementary sides issued on the CD version. Granted, Jimmy Smith's discography may seem overwhelming in the sheer number of entries, however Home Cookin' can be unequivocally suggested as an apt starting place for neophytes or a recommended entry for enthusiasts. ~ Lindsay Planer

Though he was a late bloomer (he didn't start playing organ until age 28), Jimmy Smith is the single most influential figure in the history of jazz organ. He was the pioneering force in making the organ a lead instrument. And while he had bebop chops aplenty, his blues/R&B influences and preference for space over clutter also made him an icon of the subsequent acid jazz movement. Though his heyday was in the 1960s, the larger-than-life organist blazed ahead for decades afterward, until his death in February 2005.

Click Here for Shipping Options and Policies

Shipping or Dimension weight in pounds: 0.25