Crazy! Baby

Performer: Jimmy Smith (Organ)
Engineer: Rudy Van Gelder
Distributor: EMI Music Distribution

Notes: Personnel: Jimmy Smith (organ); Quentin Warren (guitar); Donald Bailey (drums). Producer: Alfred Lion. Reissue producer: Michael Cuscuna. Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey on January 4, 1960. Includes liner notes by Leonard Feather. Unlike most of the Jimmy Smith recordings from the era, this CD reissue (which adds "If I Should Lose You" and "When Lights Are Low" to the original LP program) features organist Jimmy Smith's regular group (rather than an all-star band). With guitarist Quentin Warren and drummer Donald Bailey completing the trio, Smith is heard in peak form on swinging and soulful versions of such tunes as "When Johnny Comes Marching Home," "Makin' Whoopee," "Sonnymoon for Two," and "Mack the Knife." Despite claims and some strong challenges by others, there has never been a jazz organist on the level of Jimmy Smith. ~ Scott Yanow It's hard to believe that someone could pull off a groove-based version of "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" and make it swing like nobody's business. A glance at the track list of CRAZY BABY may induce more eye-rolling, since such dusty groaners as "Makin' Whoopee," "A Night In Tunisia" and "Mack The Knife" crop up, seemingly unlikely candidates for Smith's trademark soulful stretch-outs. But the master organist's particular genius lies in the ability transform even the most improbable of tunes into showcases for his thick, evocative Hammond sound and lightning dexterity. With cool support from guitarist Quentin Warren and drummer Donald Bailey, Smith revamps these tracks with a musical aesthetic that, while rooted firmly in jazz tradition, is unquestionably hip and modern. Standards are cast afresh, and other covers like "When The Lights Are Low" and Sonny Rollins' "Sonnymoon For Two" are infused with equal creative vitality. Containing two previously unissued tracks, this release is a must for collectors and for those unfamiliar with Smith's wizardry.

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