Music journalism, books and more

The digital home of music journalist Nicholas Jennings, author of Lightfoot, the bestselling biography of Gordon Lightfoot. Includes a searchable database of current and archived work, including thousands of record reviews and feature articles.

Jimmy Smith - Retrospective

Jimmy Smith - RetrospectiveSmith is synonymous with the Hammond B3 organ. This excellent four-CD box set compiles his stellar jazz work for Blue Note from 1956-63, beginning with his lightning-fast version of Dizzy Gillespie’s “The Champ” through to his pairing with tenor saxman Stanley Turrentine on Smith’s own bluesy “Back at the Chicken Shack.” Best are his sessions with drummer Art Blakey, guitarist Kenny Burrell and alto sax great Lou Donaldson, especially the inspired jam on Smith’s 20-minute masterpiece “The Sermon.”

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