Review by Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
No rating supplied
Since 1956 the Hammond B3 organ has changed the way jazz music has
been played, perceived, and composed, thanks to the legendary pioneer
Jimmy Smith. He is the crowned king of the Hammond B-3 without question.
So what happens when several jazz luminaries gather together to enjoy
each other's company? Magic by default, what else?
Stanley Turrentine (tenor sax), Kenny Burrell (guitar), and Grady
Tate (drums), kept crossing each others paths during their careers,
often enough to form a musical collaboration called "Fourmost." On
"Foursmost Return-Live At Fat Tuesday's in New York City" the foursome
makes their way through seven superb jazz and blues compositions.
In 1990 these acclaimed artist got together at Fat Tuesday's and subsequently
an album was released. Now, for the first time, seven additional tracks
from the archives have been added for your listening pleasure.
Ellington's "Mood Indigo" is a lovely piece when any good group of
jazz musicians play it, and this version is exceptionally rich in
texture and flavor from Smith's blues enhanced jazz textbook. "Back
At The Chicken Shack" is the idyllic jazz n' blues song that will
give you instant happy feet. "Ain't She Sweet" is an indulgence for
the star of the show, and a rare occasion. Mr. Smith joyfully adds
his raspy vocal delivery to the number, and much to the delight of
his audience. The ballad "Laura" has a bluesy lounge appeal to it;
I realize that it's a well known ballad and I mean no disrespect at
all by recognizing those variables that come into play during the
composition. It's actually an esteemed observation on my behalf of
Smith and the entire bands flexibility within the jazz idiom.
If you're a real jazz fan you will have a copy of this in your hands
right after you read this or any other review. This is a delightfully
entertaining music that is a genuine time capsule of jazz for the
ages. God bless the Fantasy vaults.
© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
February 14, 2002
- Sonnymoon for Two (Rollins) - 5:36
- Mood Indigo (Bigard/Ellington/Mills) - 6:15
- Ain't She Sweet (Ager/Yellin) - 3:31
- Back at the Chicken Shack (Smith) - 6:36
- Organ Grinder's Swing (Hudson/Mills/Parish) - 5:06
- Laura [#] (Mercer/Raksin/Raskin) - 10:48
- Blues for Stanley (Smith) - 10:25
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