Jimmy Smith - Softly as a Summer Breeze (APE+CUE)

Jimmy Smith - Softly as a Summer Breeze (APE+CUE)



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Softly As a Summer Breeze is one of Jimmy Smith's more obscure Blue Notes. 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. In the original liner notes, Leonard Feather makes it seem 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) has its exciting moments. What is unusual about the set is the absence of any blues. The CD is augmented by four other selections that were originally released as 45s and are features for Bill Henderson's vocals; the singer is joined by Smith, guitarist Ray Crawford and drummer Bailey. Henderson's debut, a version of "Senor Blues" with Horace Silver, had been a hit, but lightning would not strike twice, although the he would have a productive career during the next four decades. Overall, this CD is not too essential, but it does fill in a few gaps.



Personnel:

Personnel: Jimmy Smith (organ); Bill Henderson (vocals); Kenny Burrell, Eddie McFadden (guitar); Philly Joe Jones, Donald Bailey (drums).



Track Listing:

01 These Foolish Things

02 Hackensack

03 It Could Happen to You

04 Sometimes I'm Happy

05 Someone to Watch Over Me

06 Home Cookin' (aka One for Philly Joe)

07 Willow Weep for Me

08 Ain't No Use

09 Angel Eyes

10 Ain't That Love