Stranger in Paradise

One of the most amazing musicians to sit behind an electric organ in the history of Jazz, Jimmy Smith is internationally recognized as an organist of immense stature. Like such innovators before him as Louis Armstrong and Charlie Parker, he is considered the fountainhead from which all Jazz organ tributaries flow. Presented here are the historic first recordings of the organ genius leading his own combo, recorded between 1953 and early 1955. At this point in time Jimmy Smith was a full-fledged member of the Sonotones, led by vocalist Don Gardner who was something of a fixture around the local Philly music scene. Gardner was a singing drummer that supported Smith's organ-bass as the metronomic foundation, with saxophonist Al Cass rounding out the trio. All selections newly remastered.