Customer Reviews

Jimmy Smith Plays Fats Waller (24bt)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Even if Fats Waller had been associated with the Hammond organ jazz (he prefered pipe-organs), this hommage to Fats is only connected to the melodies. With Quentin Warren on guitar and Donald Bailey on drums, this is a hell of a tribute to Waller - mellow laidback and uptempo tunes with various JOS organ registrations using single lines and block chords playing. The Reid Miles coverart is of high Blue Note quality (like many Blue Note albums)and this LP like Japanese Blue Note CD outing is a jewel in the JOS discography (and priced in that category also). When can Blue Note understand that there's a huge JOS reissue market outside of Japan? Be aware that Applause records published this music on CD years ago with no coverart from Blue Note...if you should by this CD on Ebay.

I became a Jimmy Smith fan as a teenager (some decades ago), and I have listened to nearly everything Fats Waller recorded. Smith, who re-defined jazz organ in the 1950s and '60s, never recorded a bad album. This brief album will please Smith completists with its unique selection of classic tunes; and might disappoint Waller enthusiasts who expect a more energetic tribute.

Fats Waller (1904-43) recorded over 600 songs, so any tribute album must be selective. However, this album is just plain skimpy, logging in at a mere 35 minutes. The CD has room for another whole album.

Pianist and composer Fats Waller was also the first organist in jazz (and called the organ a "God box"). Additionally, Waller wrote 300+ songs. Only two of the seven selections here were written by Waller, although all had been recorded by him.

This brief CD has Smith playing hits of an earlier era, but it is light on swing and short on energy. Fats Waller swung as hard as any pianist ever and his left hand had enormous power and drive. Here, Smith never attempts to play anything resembling stride and seldom uses his left hand other than to change registration. There are few of the rapid runs you might expect from Smith (or Waller), none of the effervescence you would hope for in a Waller tribute. This is not terrible music, but it is sparse and laid back.

The superb (and still active in 2010) drummer Donald Bailey provides tasteful timekeeping, but never gets a chance to solo or have meaningful interchanges with Smith. Rhythm guitarist Quentin Warren offers workman-like support, but never solos.

Bottom Line: This album might deserve more stars if there were more selections. Smith collectors and curiosity seekers might love owning this CD; but, fans of Waller, stride or early jazz should keep looking. There are better Smith CDs and better Waller tribute CDs. ***1/2.

OPTIONS: To hear Smith at his best, consider The Sermon. Smith shines when challenged by Lee Morgan (trumpet) and George Coleman (sax). For a tribute to Fats, consider the Tony Award winning Ain't Misbehavin' (1978 Original Broadway Cast), a passionate romp that captures Waller's exuberance. Or, Lorraine Feather's New York City Drag with stunning keyboard work by Dick Hyman and Mike Lane. Or, the upbeat Sweet Sue by Ralph Sutton. Happy listening!

FYI: The Applause brand CD (with black/brown cover art on white background) has noticeable background noise, apparently tape hiss from the analog masters that was not removed.

1. Everybody Loves My Baby
2. Squeeze Me
3. Ain't She Sweet
4. Ain't Misbehavin'
5. Lulu's Back In Town
6. Honeysuckle Rose
7. I've Found A New Baby