egroj world: Jimmy Smith • Got My Mojo Workin'

Thursday, August 8, 2024

Jimmy Smith • Got My Mojo Workin'



Review by Stephen Cook
After seven high-quality years with Blue Note, organist Jimmy Smith switched over to the Verve label for a lengthy and fruitful run lasting from 1963 until the early '70s (Smith would eventually return to the company for two fine albums in the mid-'90s). This 1965 Verve release, Got My Mojo Workin', finds the B-3 innovator mixing it up with organ and guitar combo swingers and big band charts compliments of arranger Oliver Nelson. On the first half of the disc, Smith delves into the day's chart-topping terrain with passable shots at the Stevie Wonder hit "High Heel Sneakers," Jagger and Richard's "Satisfaction," and the pop candy of "1-2-3." While Smith certainly avails himself nicely on the organ, his grunt-and-sweat vocal interjections threaten to derail things. This askew, Ray Charles-esque vocalizing continues on the Muddy Waters title track, but thankfully takes a hike for the trio of big band cookers -- including fine readings of Billy Strayhorn's "Johnny Come Lately" and Ellington's "C-Jam Blues" -- that close out the album. Aided by the stellar likes Kenny Burrell, Ernie Royal, Phil Woods, Ron Carter, and Grady Tate, Got My Mojo Workin' is not a top Smith release, but one dedicated fans will probably want to check out.

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Reseña de Stephen Cook
Después de siete años de alta calidad con Blue Note, el organista Jimmy Smith cambió al sello Verve para una larga y fructífera carrera que duró desde 1963 hasta principios de los años 70 (Smith regresaría eventualmente a la compañía para dos excelentes álbumes a mediados de los 90). Este lanzamiento de Verve de 1965, Got My Mojo Workin', encuentra al innovador del B-3 mezclándolo con swingers de órgano y guitarra y con las listas de éxitos de las grandes bandas, cortesía del arreglista Oliver Nelson. En la primera mitad del disco, Smith se adentra en el terreno de las listas de éxitos del día con tomas pasables del éxito de Stevie Wonder "High Heel Sneakers", "Satisfaction" de Jagger y Richard, y los caramelos pop de "1-2-3". Mientras que Smith ciertamente se aprovecha bien del órgano, sus interjecciones vocales gruñonas y sudorosas amenazan con descarrilar las cosas. Esta torcida vocalización, al estilo de Ray Charles, continúa en el tema del título de Muddy Waters, pero afortunadamente se va de excursión para el trío de cocineros de grandes bandas - incluyendo las buenas lecturas de "Johnny Come Lately" de Billy Strayhorn y "C-Jam Blues" de Ellington - que cierran el álbum. Con la ayuda de estrellas como Kenny Burrell, Ernie Royal, Phil Woods, Ron Carter y Grady Tate, Got My Mojo Workin' no es un lanzamiento de primera de Smith, pero un fan dedicado probablemente querrá comprobarlo.



 
 

Tracks:
1. High Heel Sneakers
2. (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
3. 1-2-3
4. Mustard Greens
5. Got My Mojo Working
6. Johnny Come Lately
7. C Jam Blues
8. Hobson's Hop

 
Credits:
Jimmy Smith (organ)
Jerome Richardson (baritone saxophone)
Phil Woods (alto saxophone)
Romeo Penque (flute)
Ernie Royal (trumpet)
Kenny Burrell (guitar)
Ron Carter, Ben Tucker, George Duvivier (bass)
Grady Tate (drums)

Year Of Release: 1965
Recorded December 16-17, 1965.

 
 
 
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