Limited edition 6-panel digipack with iconic pictures by jazz photographer Francis Wolff. Originally released as 'Groovin' at Smalls' Paradise Vol.1' (Blue Note BLP-1585) & 'Vol.2' (Blue Note BLP-1586).
While the electric organ had been used in jazz by Fats Waller, Count Basie, Wild Bill Davis and others, Jimmy Smith's virtuoso improvisation technique on the Hammond organ helped to popularize it as a jazz and blues instrument. Recorded live in 1957 at the Smalls' Paradise club in New York, Groovin' at Smalls' Paradise (originally issued on two volumes, both of which are presented on this CD) showcases Smith in a trio format backed by guitar and drums.
"On Groovin' at Smalls' Paradise, Smith is in his element in a club setting and, while McFadden also gets plenty of space, the master's big, sprawling solos are definitive. This is the Smith album to get." - **** Richard Cook & Brian Morton, Penguin Guide to Jazz
