"The Sermon!" is a Jimmy Smith classic released as part of the Blue Note Tone Poet series. Recorded in 1957 and 1958, these tracks bring the unbridled energy of a live session into the studio and showcase the Hammond B3 master at his best. Smith is backed by an extraordinary all-star lineup featuring Lee Morgan, Lou Donaldson, George Coleman, Tina Brooks, Kenny Burrell, Art Blakey, and other Blue Note greats.
The album consists of just three extended tracks, giving the musicians plenty of room to shine. The bluesy title track takes up the entire first side of the LP, while the driving “J. O.S.” and the impressive ballad “Flamingo”—featuring an outstanding Lee Morgan—make up the second side. Soul jazz and hard bop in their purest form, brilliantly captured by recording engineer Rudy Van Gelder.
Blue Note Tone Poet Edition: Stereo, produced by Joe Harley, fully remastered in analog by Kevin Gray from the original tapes, RTI pressing (180g), sturdy tip-on gatefold sleeve, padded inner sleeve.
Laen...