description Midnight Special – Jimmy Smith Overview
Jimmy Smith's *Midnight Special* (1965) is a seminal jazz album celebrated for its pioneering use of the Hammond B3 organ. Smith’s dynamic playing blends gospel, blues and soul with a powerful rhythm section and horn arrangements. This record remains significant within organ-jazz and is appreciated by serious listeners interested in classic jazz recordings and Jimmy Smith's distinctive style.
help Midnight Special – Jimmy Smith FAQ
When was Jimmy Smith's Midnight Special recorded?
The album was recorded in 1960 and released on Blue Note Records, capturing Smith at the height of his creative powers. It remains one of the definitive Hammond B3 organ recordings in jazz.
Who played with Jimmy Smith on Midnight Special?
The album features Stanley Turrentine on tenor saxophone, Kenny Burrell on guitar, and Donald Bailey on drums, forming a classic soul-jazz quartet. Turrentine's deep, bluesy tone complemented Smith's organ perfectly, and the two recorded together extensively.
What is the title track of Midnight Special based on?
The title track is drawn from the traditional American folk and work song 'The Midnight Special,' famously associated with Lead Belly. Smith transforms it into a soul-jazz groove that showcases his gospel and blues influences on the Hammond organ.
What label released Jimmy Smith's Midnight Special?
The album was released on Blue Note Records, where Smith recorded prolifically throughout the 1950s and 1960s. His Blue Note sessions were instrumental in establishing the Hammond B3 organ as a lead voice in jazz.
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