Johnny "Hammond" Smith - Opus De Funk (1961/2004)

voyeurnice · 18 Listopad 2016

Artist: Johnny "Hammond" Smith

Title: Opus De Funk (with Stimulation)

Year Of Release: 2004 (1961)

Label: Prestige / Fantasy [PRCD-24291-2]

Genre: Jazz / Hard Bop / Soul Jazz

Quality: FLAC (tracks+.cue,log)

Mp3

Total Time: 01:10:45

Total Size: 472 MB

177 MB (Scans)

While organist Johnny "Hammond" Smith never attained the status of Jimmy Smith, he nonetheless fronted first-rate bands and accumulated a fine discography. Recorded in 1961, Opus de Funk brings together two Smith albums in one package, Stimulation and Opus de Funk. Since the same band - vibraphonist Freddie McCoy, guitarist Eddie McFadden, bassist Wendell Marshall, and drummer Leo Stevens - played on both sets, and since both albums aren't very long by contemporary standards, the pair fit snuggly on the same CD. The really unusual element here is the presence of McCoy, because one doesn't usually associate vibes with jazz organ combos.

The vibes work, however, and give the resonance of Smith's organ a lighter counterpoint that brightens up the overall sound. The band delivers fine versions of familiar pieces - "Cry Me a River," "Autumn Leaves," and "Gone With the Wind" - alongside newer pieces like "Ribs an' Chips" and "Que Pasa?" With a couple of exceptions, this snappy unit likes to keep things tight, and seldom extends a piece for over five minutes. The one big exception is Smith's "Ribs an' Chips," a breezy eight-minute bit of blues with fine solos by McFadden and McCoy. Opus de Funk is a welcome reissue and will be greeted warmly by jazz organ fans.

Tracklist:

Stimulation (Prestige PR 7203)

01 - Sticks And Stones

02 - Because You Left Me

03 - Ribs An' Chips

04 - Cry Me A River

05 - Que Pasa

06 - Invitation

07 - Spring Is Here

08 - Stimulation

Opus De Funk (Prestige PR 7420)

09 - Opus De Funk

10 - Almost Like Being In Love

11 - Autumn Leaves

12 - Sad Eyes

13 - Gone With The Wind

14 - If Someone Had Told Me

15 - Shirley's Theme

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Johnny "Hammond" Smith - organ

Freddie McCoy - vibes

Eddie McFadden - guitar

Wendell Marshall - bass

Leo Stevens - drums

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