Off The Top

It had been nine years since organist Jimmy Smith recorded for a major label when Bruce Lundvall approached him to make an album for Elektra Musician. Smith plays some unusual material (including Lionel Richie’s “Endless Love” and the “Theme from M.A.S.H.”) on this recording but swings everything and has a particularly strong supporting cast — guitarist George Benson, Stanley Turrentine on tenor, bassist Ron Carter and drummer Grady Tate. A fine comeback date. – Scott Yanow