The Sermon
Jimmy Smith put the Hammond B-3 organ on the jazz map for good in the 1950s.The Sermon, dating from 1958, is among his best recordings, featuring the exceptional lineup of trumpeterLee Morgan, altoistLou Donaldson, tenormanTina Brooks, guitaristKenny Burrell, drummerArt Blakey, and others. Smith's smooth, vibratoless sound perfectly suits the nimble and prodding leads of the player as he touches on R&B;, soul, blues and, of course, gospel. This brings us to "The Sermon," which is reason enough to seek this gem out. Smith's group takes the title tune out for a 20-minute, fully improvised, slow-blues stroll, during which each player shares the spotlight. The soul-stirring feeling set in motion by Smith rubs off on the other musicians to make this tune and album a defining moment in organ jazz, and even in soul music.The Sermonstands as a sparkling gem in theRudy Van Gelder reissue series.--Tad Hendrickson