Jimmy Smith made the Hammond B-3 organ popular more than anyone else including his inspiration Wild Bill Davis. In a post hip-hop world artists gain credibility for being sample-worthy and most hip-hoppers are familiar with the Beastie Boys’ extraction of the bassline from Smith’s “Rootdown ( And Get It).” Others recall his solo on Michael Jackson’s “Bad.” But Smith was a leading jazzman who made an archive of influential music during his recording career. The Sermon was on of his most lauded albums during his time with Blue Note Records. The other noted projects from that time period are Back The Chicken Shack, Midnight Special, Prayer Meetin, Home Cookin’ and House Party. His big band collaboration with Lalo Schifrin The Cat and his first album with Wes Montgomery, Jimmy And Wes: The Dynamic Duo are my favorites.
