Softly as a Summer Breeze, released in 1965, is one of Jimmy Smith's more obscure Blue Note recordings. The six-song trio program finds the organist joined by either guitarist Kenny Burrell and drummer Philly Joe Jones, or guitarist Eddie McFadden and drummer Donald Bailey. In other words, Smith... [+] Expand

Softly as a Summer Breeze, released in 1965, is one of Jimmy Smith's more obscure Blue Note recordings. The six-song trio program finds the organist joined by either guitarist Kenny Burrell and drummer Philly Joe Jones, or guitarist Eddie McFadden and drummer Donald Bailey. In other words, Smith recorded with two different rhythm sections in the same day. In the original liner notes, Leonard Feather makes it seem like a ballad-oriented set, but "Hackensack" really cooks, "Sometimes I'm Happy" struts, and "Home Cookin' (aka One for Philly Joe" (a familiar but unplaceable melody used for a later pop tune) has its exciting moments. What is unusual about the set is the absence of any blues. The strangest thing about this recording, done on February 26, 1965, is that only a day earlier, Smith led two burning sessions that vaulted material for his classic albums, The Sermon and House Party.

The CD version of Softly as a Summer Breeze is augmented by four other selections, two of which were originally released as 45s and are showcases for Bill Henderson's vocals. The singer is joined by Smith, guitarist Ray Crawford, and drummer Bailey. Henderson's debut, a version of "Senor Blues" with Horace Silver, had been a hit, but lightning did not strike twice, although the he would have a productive career during the next four decades. The tunes he sings here are standards and blues: "Willow Weep for Me," "Ain't No Use," "Angel Eyes," and Ray Charles' blues "Ain't That Love." Overall, this CD is not essential, but it does fill in a few gaps in both Smith's and Henderson's careers. The 2006 Rudy Van Gelder Edition contains the same four bonus tracks as the original CD but is completely remastered -- the sound is superb. It contains the original liner notes, plus a new set written by Bob Blumenthal, who goes into the recording of the album historically and offers a fresh and fine critical perspective. ~ Scott Yanow and Thom Jurek, All Music Guide [-] Collapse

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