Johnny Smith - The Sound Of The Johnny Smith Guitar 1960 '2021

Tracks list

When cool-toned guitarist Johnny Smith left New York for Colorado in the
mid-50s, he didnt hang up his guitar. He continued to play locally and make
occasional trips back to the Big Apple to record. The two sessions included on
The Sound of the Johnny Smith Guitar were the results of two trips in 1960 and
1961. Just about everything goes right on these sessions. Smiths guitar
especially shines in the company of pianist Hank Jones, bassist George Duvivier,
and drummer Ed Shaughnessy in the second set. Theres a lovely, soulful version
of Round Midnight, with a nice long solo by Smith (he even bends a blue note or
two) and a shorter, though poignant one, by Jones. The band goes into overdrive
for This Cant Be Love, filling it with bouncy rhythm and sharp lead work.
Pianist Bob Pancoast, bassist George Roumanis, and drummer Mousey Alexander join
Smith on the 1960 session, originally issued as Johnny Smith Plus the Trio. As
with the 1961 set, solid instrumental choices like Some of These Days and Hippo
the Sentimental Hippy brighten up the proceedings. The band also bravely tackles
Bud Powells Un Poco Loco, kicking it off with an extended, fiery drum workout by
Alexander. In fact, the band doesnt join in until the last minute of the piece.
Whether one considers the choice selections, good accompaniment, or wonderful
guitar work by Smith, The Sound of the Johnny Smith Guitar is a lovely album and
a good introduction to a fine guitarist. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.

Tracklist:
1 01. Johnny Smith - Come Rain Or Come Shine (Remastered) (04:45)
1 02. Johnny Smith - Gypsy In My Soul (Remastered) (03:20)
1 03. Johnny Smith - Embraceable You (Remastered) (04:54)
1 04. Johnny Smith - Misty (Remastered) (05:28)
1 05. Johnny Smith - As Long As Theres Music (Remastered) (04:04)
1 06. Johnny Smith - Round Midnight (Remastered) (04:28)
1 07. Johnny Smith - This Cant Be Love (Remastered) (03:20)
1 08. Johnny Smith - Blues Chorale (Remastered) (03:56)
1 09. Johnny Smith - Prelude (Remastered) (01:26)

Related artists