gatefold LP Jazz organist Jimmy Smith popularized the use of Hammond organ in jazz music and is credited with having invented the soul jazz style. Many of his albums are classics and his influence is omnipresent in the jazz world. For this stellar 1972 release on Verve, the Organ Grinder— accompanied by Leroy Vinnegar, Teddy Edwards, Ray Crawford, Donald Dean and Victor Pantoja—comes home to where it all began: the blues. These high spirited and relaxed sessions give each musician the chance to "stretch out over a tantalizingly funky blues" that features five Smith originals along with Harvey Siders' "Mournin' Wes," a tribute to friend and fellow musician Wes Montgomery.
Track listing - Side a: 1.Straight Ahead 2. Absolutely 3.Funky Lolita Side b: 1. Mournin' Wes 2. Blues For 3+1 3. Bluesmith