The Incredible Jimmy Smith - Organ Grinder Swing [Verve LP]

The Incredible Jimmy Smith's 1965 classic Organ Grinder Swing marked a pivotal return to the intimate organ trio format after a series of large-ensemble Verve projects. Recorded on June 14, 1965, at Rudy Van Gelder's legendary Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey studio, the session united three masters at the peak of the organ trio golden era. Produced by Creed Taylor, the album paired Smith's pioneering Hammond B-3 mastery with guitarist Kenny Burrell's clean melodic lines and drummer Grady Tate's crisp, steady timekeeping. The session became Smith's second-highest-charting album, reaching #15 on the Billboard 200 and remaining on the charts for 31 weeks, reaffirming the Philadelphia-born organist's status as the artist who revolutionized jazz organ.

Across six tracks, Smith and his all-star group display complete mastery of the organ trio configuration that defined 1960s jazz. Standout performances include the driving title track "The Organ Grinder's Swing," Smith's blues-inflected original "Blues For J," which showcases the chemistry between organist and guitarist, and the reflective ballad "I'll Close My Eyes," where Smith's harmonically rich phrasing shines. The album also features swinging interpretations of jazz standards like Duke Ellington's "Satin Doll," a fresh take on "Greensleeves," and the extended workout "Oh, No, Babe," allowing the trio to stretch out and breathe.

This Verve Acoustic Sounds Series reissue features audiophile-grade all-analog mastering by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab, transferred directly from the original analog tapes. The 180-gram vinyl pressing delivers the warmth and immediacy of Van Gelder's engineering, capturing the full depth of Smith's B-3, Burrell's articulate guitar tone, and Tate's nuanced percussion. The deluxe gatefold packaging honors the album's iconic status with expanded artwork and premium presentation, making this a definitive edition of one of Smith's finest small-group recordings alongside classics like The Sermon and Back at the Chicken Shack.

• Format: 180g Vinyl LP
• Standout tracks: "The Organ Grinder's Swing," "Blues For J," "I'll Close My Eyes"
• Pressing details: Verve Acoustic Sounds Series, Deluxe Gatefold, Audiophile all-analog mastering from original analog tapes by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab
• Genre/style: Jazz, Hard Bop, Soul Jazz, Organ Jazz
• UPC: 602478866418

Organ Grinder Swing remains an essential document of mid-1960s organ jazz, showcasing Jimmy Smith, Kenny Burrell, and Grady Tate at the peak of their powers in the most swinging of all jazz configurations during the golden era of the organ trio.

* The Spotify track list may not exactly represent the tracks and audio of this LP edition.

Track List:

Side A:

1. Organ Grinder's Swing
2. Oh No Babe
3. Blues For J

Side B:

1. Greensleeves
2. I'll Close My Eyes
3. Satin Doll