Album: Softly as a Summer Breeze by Jimmy Smith (2006)
Genre: Jazz | Mood: Happy
Format: Album

Description: Softly as a Summer Breeze is one of Jimmy Smith's more obscure Blue Note dates. The six-song trio program finds the organist joined by either guitarist Kenny Burrell and drummer Philly Joe Jones, or guitarist Eddie McFadden and drummer Donald Bailey. At first glance, the album may look like a ballad-oriented set, but "Hackensack" really cooks, "Sometimes I'm Happy" struts, and "One for Philly Joe" (a familiar but unplaceable melody used for a later pop tune) heats thing up, and the LP has its exciting moments.

Artist Background: Jimmy Smith ignited a jazz revolution on an instrument associated at the time with ballparks, despite never playing one until the age of 28. His legendary multi-part technique on the Hammond B-3 organ, playing bass with the foot pedals and Charlie Parker-like single-line passages with his right hand, shook up the traditional trio as co-players could explore new roles. Yet, while the consensus is Smith's playing is a jazz landmark, his recordings fall short of such acclaim. Not a single album ... Part of the Pennsylvania, USA music scene. Associated with Jazz movement.

Music Scene: Part of the Pennsylvania, USA music scene. Associated with Jazz movement.

Tags: Jazz, Happy, 2000s, Album

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


Softly as a Summer Breeze is one of Jimmy Smith's more obscure Blue Note dates. The six-song trio program finds the organist joined by either guitarist Kenny Burrell and drummer Philly Joe Jones, or guitarist Eddie McFadden and drummer Donald Bailey. At first glance, the album may look like a ballad-oriented set, but "Hackensack" really cooks, "Sometimes I'm Happy" struts, and "One for Philly Joe" (a familiar but unplaceable melody used for a later pop tune) heats thing up, and the LP has its exciting moments.

Softly as a Summer Breeze

Jimmy Smith

Track List

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