Jimmy Smith – Midnight Special (1961/2014) [Official Digital Download 24bit/192kHz]

Jimmy Smith – Midnight Special (1961/2014)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/192 kHz | Time – 36:34 minutes | 1,25 GB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Blue Note Records

Jimmy Smith’s April 25, 1960 session with the perfect cast of Stanley Turrentine, Kenny Burrell and Donald Bailey produced this classic album that is the pinnacle of the organ-tenor style. A perfect selection of material played at the perfect tempo by great musicians who connect on the deepest, most soulful level.
The name Jimmy Smith is practically synonymous with jazz organ, and albums such as Midnight Special are part of the reason. Of course, there is Smith’s legendary gospel- and blues-rooted style and brilliant bebop chops, present on SPECIAL in ample doses. Also, one could not ask for a better band: Donald Bailey, one of Smith’s regular drummers; Kenny Burrell on guitar; and Stanley Turrentine on tenor sax. As great as Smith is, it’s Turrentine’s lusciously rich tenor tone and big bluesy honks that makes Midnight Special such a true joy. (Burrell’s burr, elegant guitar isn’t too shabby either.) In the end, this album is simply a party waiting to happen, for fans of Smith and soul-jazz alike.

Midnight Special is a perfect complement to Back at the Chicken Shack, which was recorded the same day. Organist Jimmy Smith, tenor saxophonist Stanley Turrentine, and guitarist Kenny Burrell always make for a potent team, and with drummer Donald Bailey completing the group, the quartet digs soulfully into such numbers as the groovin’ “Midnight Special,” “Jumpin’ the Blues,” and “One O’Clock Jump.” Highly recommended. –Scott Yanow

Tracklist:

01. Jimmy Smith – Midnight Special (09:53)
02. Jimmy Smith – A Subtle One (07:43)
03. Jimmy Smith – Jumpin’ the Blues (05:25)
04. Jimmy Smith – Why Was I Born? (06:32)
05. Jimmy Smith – One O’Clock Jump (06:59)

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