Customer Reviews

Walk on the Wild Side: Best of Verve Years

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There have been many Verve compilations of Jimmy Smith's material over the last few years. I like this particular one the best because it is a 2 compact disc set and contains more material. Although some of this material has been reissued (thankfully!) on the individual albums, is still contains material from albums which have not yet been reissued to disc. Jimmy Smith is arguably the best and most influential jazz/blues organist. He was a MAJOR innovator with his instrument and popularized the use of the Hammond B-3 organ in jazz, blues and later through his influences rock music. These recordings span the years 1962 to 1973. The recordings are varied and contain both small group and big band performances. The songs themselves range from blues to jazz to funkier more commercial recordings. There are also some great live recordings from albums which regrettably (Verve are you listening!) have not as yet been reissued. The set contains his most well known Verve tracks "Walk On The Wild Side", "The Cat" and "Organ Grinder's Swing". The set also offers live versions of two of his earlier hits for Blue Note; "The Champ" and "When Johnny Comes Marching Home". Aside from these tracks my favorites include a version of Miles Davis' "Milestones" with Wes Montgomery, "The Boss" live with George Benson, and a version of Muddy Water's blues classic "Got My Mojo Workin". Another stellar musician who appears on this compilation is Kenny Burrell, a guitarist who excels at accompanying an organist. There are a few other Verve cuts I wish they would have included such as versions of "I'm An Old Cowhand", "Bashin'" and remakes of two more of his Blue Note hits "The Sermon" and "The Preacher". However, each person has their own personal favorites. Overall this 2 cd set provides a representative overview of Jimmy Smith's Verve recordings. I recommend it wholeheartedly and suggest further investigations into his earlier classic Blue Note recordings if you enjoy it!

Jimmy Smith's work on Verve usually takes a back seat to his groundbreaking Bluenote sessions. Yes, a lot of this stuff strays into pop, but it sure is funky pop! & remember, many of his Verve albums were actually equal collaborations with arrangers such as Oliver Nelson, Lalo Schifrin, Al Cohn & Claus Ogerman, with Jimmy as the centerpiece. Even the novelties - few of which appear on this set - were often inspired choices. So I kinda miss "The Theme from The Munsters," Slaughter on 10th Avenue" or "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town." The best Jimmy Smith Verve collection would be the one you make for yourself, but if you need a sampling, try this. & you still get the rave up live "The Boss," featuring George Benson doing what he always did best.

Bob Rixon WFMU-FM

This is an album that I would have never bought had it not been recommended by amazon. I guess they looked at what I had ordered in the past and thought it would be a good fit.
I buy a lot of jazz, but I'm always looking for something more up tempo with a bit more soul. Jimmy Smith delivers. 25 tracks of killer Hammond organ, and a great band to back him up. You won't be disappointed.

This is far and away the best jazz organ CD I have ever heard. When he starts playing The Cat it brings back memories of when I had The Cat record album years ago. My other favorites songs on this CD are Groove Drops and Delon's Blues. If you are looking to start a jazz organ collection this would be an excellent choice to start your collection with.

This is a wonderful compilation documenting Jimmy's broad range of musical interests. It is also a window into an era of urban sophistication that many jazz fans wish they could have touched. These discs feature Wes Montgomery, Oliver Nelson, a very young George Benson, Billy Hart, Clark Terry.....etc, etc.
But on top of it all is my favorite instrument played by the one who defines it. Highly recommended.

This arrived just in time for our Christmas gift exchange. My friend was so delighted! Thank you for yourprompt service.

I'm new to the music of Jimmy Smith, and I highly recommend this compilation for starts. Great sound quality,Hi Fi whith excellent stereo effect; in "The Boss" you can hear the noise from the live audience, it is almost like being there in person, you can feel the club's atmosphere, imagine the cigarette smoke and all that. I love the convergence of Jimmy and Wes Montgomery, whose music I've always loved since high school. I do recommend this cd, and I highly recommend to listen to it while driving!!