Ultimate Jimmy Smith

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Part of Verve's recent trawl through its incredible back catalogue of classic jazz involves contemporary jazz 'superstars' compiling selections for classic Verve artists. Jack DeJohnette's Tony Williams set is particularly strong, and whilst Grover Washington Jr. may seem like a strange choice to compile the Jimmy Smith set - a saxophonist on an organ player? - the quality of Smith's back catalogue on Verve and Washington's knowledge of the pieces means that this album almost selects itself. There are some well-known gems here: "Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf" and "The Champ" fr'instance, and some lesser known (to me anyway) ranging from a lovely 1962 rendition of the standard "I'm An Old Cowhand" to 1995's "Lil Darlin" with Mark Whitfield and Gregory Hutchison. Washington's colourful sleeve notes shed some light on his choices, and, smartly, whilst he's given due props to Smith's awesome technical proficiency, he is often looking for qualities in the overall arrangements, in many cases courtesy of the great Oliver Nelson, and equally powerful performance from Smith's sidemen, who here include Wes Montgomery, Ray Brown, Kenny Burrell, Grady Tate amongst others. For me, the finest track here is "The Champ". Smith's playing, particularly towards the intense finale, is simply awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping, flabbergasting. The stabs of Hammond B3 become so ludicrously accelerated and harsh, they almost becomes atonal - purely rhythmic. Elsewhere, his bluesy touch, effortless swing, rocking bands, and often surprising tune choices catch the ear - as Washington notes "He let us know all the possibilities there were to be explored". Sadly the packaging of these reissues leaves a little to be desired. Anyone who's seen a lovely vinyl copy of "Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?" will note that this package is less adequate in comparison. Smith's invention of the organ trio and B3 as a jazz instrument certainly deserves a little more, as do most of the other artists in Verve's "Ultimate" set. No matter. The music, as ever, is what matters, and it doesn't come much better than this.