BOOKLET

 

Jimmy Smith

Six Views Of The Blues

Blue Note Records

Connoisseur CD Series

7243 5 21435 2 8

Cecil Payne – Baritone Sax

Jimmy Smith – Organ

Kenny Burrell – Guitar

Art Blakey – Drums On Tracks 1-3

Donald Bailey – Drums On Tracks 4-6

Recorded At The Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, N.J. On July 16, 1958

Transferred Using 24-Bit Resolution And Mastered By Ron McMaster

#2 Previously Issued On Blue Note Single 45-1711. All Other Selections Previously Unissued.

1 St. Louis Blues

2 The Swingin’ Shepard Blues

3 Blues No.1

4 Blues No.3

5 Blues No.5

6 Blues No.2

Review by Ken Dryden

This is quite an unusual date for Jimmy Smith during his Blue Note years. He leads a quartet with baritone saxophonist Cecil Payne, guitarist Kenny Burrell and either Art Blakey or Donald Bailey on drums, one of the rare occasions he didn’t use Lou Donaldson during this period. Except for a remake of Moe Koffman’s hit “Swingin’ Shepherd Blues,” the remaining music remained unreleased until 1999, possibly because of minor sound flaws and the all blues playlist, according to reissue producer Michael Cuscuna. Regardless, this is great music that needs to be explored. Smith is still the master when it comes to slow blues on his instrument, and both Payne and Burrell contribute strong solos, especially during an extended “St. Louis Blues.” Smith’s four original blues are also very enjoyable. Because this release is a limited edition, pick it up before it disappears for good.