The Hammond organ mastery of Jimmy Smith is arguably nowhere as profound as on this collection. Support is provided by the formidable trio of Donald Bailey (drums), Kenny Burrell (guitar) and Percy France (tenor sax). On Home Cookin' (1959), they couple a few understated cool R&B classics with their own originals. The almost dirge-like cadence of "See See Rider" is given a bluesy and low-key workout, featuring tasty interaction between Smith and Burrell. The languid pace churns steadily as they trade off impressive solos with almost palpable empathy. Burrell's "Sugar Hill" swings with a refined post-bop attack. His call-and-response with Smith conjures the pair's trademark give and take, which is assuredly one of the reasons the two maintained a five-plus-decade association. Ray Charles' "I Got a Woman" is nothing short of definitive as the upbeat rhythm immediately propels Smith and Burrell into an otherwise unassuming and practically infectious bounce. Also duly noted is the sturdy backing of Bailey, whose discerning and compact snare is impeccably suited to the arrangement. Sadly, the track fades just as the band begin to really get loose. "Messin' Around" and "Gracie" bring France on board, adding a subtle reedy texture to Smith's intricate and advanced melodies. "Come on Baby" is another Burrell composition that slinks with a soulful mid-tempo groove, allowing for some inspired soloing. Although the CD reissue contains five additional cuts, a vivacious reworking of Jimmy McGriff's "Motorin' Along" was the final side on the LP. The title perfectly captures the travelogue nature, proving that getting there is indeed half the fun. Luckily, among the supplementary selections is an alternate take of "Motorin' Along," two readings of the pop standard "Since I Fell for You" and an impressive cover of Jack McDuff's "Groanin'." Jimmy Smith's voluminous catalog is remarkably solid throughout and Home Cookin' is a recommended starting place for burgeoning enthusiasts as well as a substantial entry for the initiated. -
by Lindsay Planer, AMGArtist: Jimmy Smith
Album: Home Cookin'
Year: 1959
Label: Blue Note
Runtime: 70:40
Tracks:1. See See Rider (Ma Rainey) 6:38
2. Sugar Hill (Kenny Burrell) 5:21
3. I Got A Woman (Ray Charles) 3:58
4. Messin' Around (Jimmy Smith) 5:57
5. Gracie (Jimmy Smith) 5:57
6. Come On Baby (Kenny Burrell) 6:52
7. Motorin' Along (Jimmy McGriff) 5:12
8. Since I Fell For You (Buddy Johnson) 4:21
9. Apostrophe (Percy France) 6:37
10. Groanin' (Jimmy Smith) 8:12
11. Motorin' Along (Alt Tk) 5:05
12. Since I Fell For You (Alt Tk) 6:25
Personnel:Jimmy Smith (Organ)
Kenny Burrell (Guitar)
Donald Bailey (Drums)
Percy France (Tenor Saxophone) - 1,4-6,9
