Customer Reviews

Legacy

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

 

 

From the inner sleeve picture of Joey D as a 8 or 9 yr old kid standing next to Jimmy S in his prime to the front cover of Jimmy S in his last year and Joey in his own prime, the scene is set for oozing admiration. As a previous reviewer noted, this is Jimmy Smith's last recording date. While his age does show, his unique style is evident, especially on the tracks "I'll Close my Eyes", "Midnight Special", and "I've Got my Mojo Workin'". On the latter, he lends his vocal stylings; his phrasing of the words "Mojo Workin'" is an earworm. It's difficult to erase his humor and surprise (that IT is still working). "St Thomas" is the only weak track on the cd, partially due to its (short) length and its (fast) tempo. The two Hammond B-3 organists' take on Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Corcovado" is quite pretty. As a previous reviewer noted, this last addition to Jimmy Smith's prodigous output is not his best.
But.
If you're new to the heavenly joys of Hammond B-3's, this is a great place to start; the old guard, as represented by Jimmy Smith, plays well with and hands over the reins to the new guard, represented by Joey DeFrancesco. The Philly sound is there throughout the cd, loud, strong, & occasionally funky. Joey's from South Philly and Jimmy was from the nearby Norristown, PA.
If you're already a Jimmy Smith fan, all in all, this is a fabulous piece of music for the departed Smith to go out on and certainly a cd to bookend your Smith collection.

The manner in which this collection of great Jimmy Smith gems and a couple recent tunes is only overshadowed that Jimmy died on February 11, 2005! His voice discloses the ravages of time on "Got My Mojo Workin" but when the keys are hit, you hear what no one should ever forget..his unbelievable smooth and soulful Hammond B-3 tecnique. I did not like the title cut too much, but knowing that this IS his last release will bar any re-issue stuff. Imagine if we had Mozart's last recording! So while this is not what I would call a beginner's best choice..that might still sit best with Verve's and Blue Note's greatest/best/hits whatever. Still you give one listen to Midnight Special and you'll know he had his Mojo to the end. RIP Jimmy, Wes has been waiting for you, because the Dynamic Duo will live on. Joey DeFrancesco is a worthy pupil and genius to carry the torch.

I bought this CD with mixed feelings and concerns - first remembering the Jimmy Smith Quartet concert in November '04 in Oslo only 6 months before Smiths passing and Smiths health condition, secondly the ability of the duo to be able to make a high quality follow up from the great "Incredible" live album from 2000 (Concord Records) and thirdly would this album be only regarded as the last recording tribute for Jimmy Smith after his untimely passing in March 2005? My concerns were right - even if all the musicians seems to have had a great time in the studio playing old Smith trademark tunes with the Master himself in the front in new arrangements, heavy Latin beats, sound and instrumentation, this is "the pupil paying respect to his mentor and hero" album that lacks the spontaneity and aggressiveness from their first collaboration but there's still many joyous moments, backed by guitarist Paul Bollenback, and drummer Steve Ferrone and bassist Tony Banda (one most tracks). On the opening track "Legacy" with DeFrancesco on keyboard (piano registration) and Smith on organ only playing with his right hand with support from Tony Banda on double bass and drummer Steve Ferrone, the pace and musicianship is set on the expected level for the album with a nice arrangement and interplay. "Dot Com Blues" will become a classic because it's hell of tune and is treated here more jazzy than on Smith's "Dot Com Blues" album. On the lovely played and arranged ballad "I'll Close My Eyes" the two organist follow the standard receipe to distinguish the two players in registration - Smith with no organ chorus and leslie on stop and DeFrancesco with chorus and leslie on slow. An this work great for the listener. Smith immortal tunes "Back At Chicken Shack", St. Thomas", "I've Got My Mojo Workin", "Blues for Bobby C" and "Midnight Special" are all played at the expected level but there's also a limit for Smith on how many version he can really make out of these tunes. The best tracks on this album is DeFrancesco's tune "Jones'n for Elvin" adding the great and imaginative James Moody on tenor sax, played in straight 4/4 with great solo's from all players. "Corcovado" - this tune I will pass in silence, this is not the territory for DeFrancesco and Smith - period. This recording became the last by Jimmy Smith and it fits well in the vast recordings legacy by "The Increadible", but there are greater albums out there to start with! Great recording sound and quality from Concord Records.

For Hammond B-3 players & organ jazz addicts - tune up the volume and listen carefully to the organ sound on "I'll Close My Eyes" and switch to the same melody on the Jimmy Smith "Organ Griders Swing" album (Verve)....and judge by yourself the sound quality of the Hammond New B-3 (digital B-3 version). Even with all marketing gossip from Hammond Suzuki company, the New B-3 organ sounds totally flat, no personality and warmth, without any of the dynamics like the original Hammond B-3. The Hammond B-3 is NOT reborn.....yet! But they're getting closer.....

Jimmy & Joey together again... a B-3 lover's dream. Though not as tight a performance as the prior "Incredible!" set, thank heavens that DeFrancesco twisted The Master's arm once again to leave us with a grand finale to an illustrious and ground-breaking career. We're gonna miss ya', Jimmy. Even Joey will admit there is no one who can replace you, ever.

I have been, and still am, a fan of both DeFrancesco and Smith. But this offering along with "Incredible" was a disappointment from a musical perspective for me. Like two drummers trying to outplay each other with their chops, we see the same here. Now, if one is an organist, then the effort is well-worth it. But for one accustomed in hearing both artists play tastefully and allowing accompanists to have some space, the effort is not on a par with their other work. In fact, many would be hardpressed to see any resemblance to the original renditions of the tunes done here with all the fireworks going on. I suppose the value is the fact that it was Jimmy's last effort before his death. There is no doubt that both are excellent techicians on the instrument. I knew that before I heard this CD, but the overplaying gets a bit old after awhile. CivWarGuy