Johnny "Hammond" Smith with Lem Winchester - Gettin' The Message (1960)

Organist Johnny "Hammond" Smith's fourth album as a leader, 1961's Gettin' the Message, pairs him with vibraphonist Lem Winchester; Smith and Winchester recorded together fairly often around this period, and the rather unique combination of mellow vibes (an instrument most often associated with cool jazz and Milt Jackson's dignified work with the Modern Jazz Quartet) and funky organ (then rising in popularity, along with what would soon be called soul-jazz) is an interesting blend of styles. The two trade solos in front of a standard hard bop rhythm section that hogs little of the listener's attention, but unfortunately never rises much beyond a mild simmer. While this is fine for tunes like the mellow opener, "Dementia," songs like "Lid Flippin'" and even that hoary old "Swanee River" sound like they could stand to be goosed along a bit; there's a big difference between cool and cold. Aside from that flaw, however, this is a solidly entertaining and texturally intriguing album. ~ by Stewart Mason, AMG.

Prestige Records, PR 7217, 1960

Recorded 14^th October, 1960 at Rudy Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Personnel:

Johnny "Hammond" Smith - Organ

Lem Winchester - Vibraphone

Eddie McFadden - Guitar

Wendell Marshall - Bass

Bill Erskine - Drums

Track Listing:

A1. Swanee River {Traditional} (8:54)

A2. Just Say So Long {Johnny "Hammond" Smith} (4:00)

A3. Lid Flippin' {Johnny "Hammond" Smith} (5:14)

B1. Gettin' The Message {Johnny "Hammond" Smith} (7:12)

B2. Princess {Johnny "Hammond" Smith} (5:28)

B3. Dementia {Johnny Burke, Erroll Garner} (5:18)

Credits:

Supervisor - Esmond Edwards

Recording Engineer - Rudy Van Gelder

Liner Notes - Sidney Falco

Johnny (Hammond) Smith with Lem Winchester, Prestige PRLP 7217 - Johnny (Hammond) Smith has perhaps his best LP effort to date here. The formidable jazz organist has always been a swinger of the first rank, but on this set he also shows first-class showmanship and taste. The addition of the late Lem Winchester adds a touch of contemplation which gives the instrumental sound distinctiveness – much like a funky Modern Jazz Quartet. The album is neatly divided into a variety of moods with “Swanee River,” “Gettin’ the Message” and “Princess” among the top tracks. ~ Billboard Magazine (May 12, 1962, page 24)