Critic's Review
Al Campbell, All Music Guide
As part of Blue Note's Very Best series, Hammond organ pioneer Jimmy Smith is spotlighted on seven tracks, six recorded between 1956 and 1960, and "Fungii Mama," in 1986. This set is aimed at the casual listener and includes such soul-jazz classics "The Champ," "See See Rider," and his signature tune, "Back at the Chicken Shack." Smith is joined by fellow Blue Note alumni Lou Donaldson, Kenny Burrell, Art Blakey, and Stanley Turrentine, among others, making this a nice sampler for the novice at a mid-line price.
