Bashin’

Description

Although he began as a pianist, the great Jimmy Smith (1925-2005) switched to organ after hearing Wild Bill Davis in 1953. Smith’s unparalleled skills with the Hammond helped to popularize the electric organ as a jazz and blues instrument, and he recorded prolifically during his long career. Bashin’ –The Unpredictable Jimmy Smith (Verve V6- 8474), presented Smith for the first time in front of a big band, with arrangements by Oliver Nelson. The four big band sides filled Side A of the LP, while Side B contained three trio tracks taped during the same sessions, featuring Smith’s regular guitarist and drummer, Quentin Warren and Donald Bailey, respectively. Bashin’ marked the first collaboration between Smith and Oliver Nelson, who would also conduct the bands and contribute the arrangements on the organist’s following LPs Hobo Flats (1963), Monster (1965), Got My Mojo Workin’ (1965), Peter and the Wolf (1966), Hoochie Coochie Man (1966), The It Up (1968), which would be their last encounter on records. Smith’s trio with Warren and Bailey began its run in 1959, and a concert exists recorded at the Newport Jazz Festival on July 4 of that year which is the first documentation of this outstanding small group. Their first studio album was Crazy Baby (1960).