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A Date With Jimmy Smith, Volume One~ Jimmy Smith | By Eddie Carter

Jimmy Smith steps into the spotlight for this morning’s discussion with his 1957 album, A Date With Jimmy Smith, Volume One (Blue Note BLP 1547/BST 81547). This is the first of three large group recordings the organist made for Blue Note, the other two were in 1958, producing the albums, Houseparty and The Sermon and 1960, resulting in Open House and Plain Talk. It’s also the only time he recorded with Donald Byrd (tracks: A1, B1) on trumpet and Hank Mobley (tracks: A1, B1) on tenor sax. Also featured is Lou Donaldson (tracks: A1, B1) on alto sax, Eddie McFadden on guitar, Art Blakey (tracks: A1, B1), and Donald Bailey (track: A2) on drums. The copy used in this report is a friend’s 1966 Liberty Mono reissue sharing the original catalog number.

Falling In Love With Love by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart opens the album with the sextet’s collective uptempo melody. It was first heard in the musical, The Boys From Syracuse (1938). Hank leads off with a smokin’ opening solo, then Eddie puts together a swinging statement. Jimmy dispenses enthusiastic energy on the next presentation. Donald shifts into high gear on the fourth reading. Lou cooks on a delicious solo and Art shares a brief exchange with the front line ahead of the closing chorus. How High The Moon by Nancy Hamilton and Morgan Lewis is a gorgeous jazz standard from the Broadway revue, Two For The Show (1940). This is a trio tune with Bailey taking over the drum chair. Jimmy embraces the melody tenderly and gives two thoughtfully passionate solos. McFadden also has a very gentle reading and Bailey compliments both with elegant brushwork.

Funk’s Oats is a bluesy midtempo original by Jimmy beginning with the sextet stating the melody. Lou leads off this time with a joyously carefree interpretation. Donald extends the happy mood on the second statement. Hank delivers some excellent blowing with an easy swing next. Eddie unfolds the fourth reading as smooth as velvet, and Jimmy takes us into the ensemble’s reprise and exit with a delightful groove. A Date With Jimmy Smith, Volume One was recorded by Rudy Van Gelder, and this Liberty reissue has an outstanding soundstage. The vinyl is quiet for a pressing of this vintage and the instruments emerge from your speakers as if the group is in your listening room. If you’re a jazz fan who enjoys the swinging organ of Jimmy Smith, I offer for your consideration A Date With Jimmy Smith, Volume One. It’s a vibrant, inspired album with everyone in top form that’s sure to make a nice addition to any jazz library!

~ Houseparty (Blue Note BLP 4002/BST 84002), Open House (Blue Note BLP 4269/BST 84269), Plain Talk (Blue Note BST 84296), The Sermon (Blue Note BLP 4011/BST 84011) – Source: Discogs.com ~ Falling In Love With Love, How High The Moon – Source: JazzStandards.com © 2021 by Edward Thomas Carter

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