I saw Mr Smith only once, at Fat Tuesday’s with Kenny Burrell and Stanley T.
Jimmy was drunk and belligerent and was openly insulting to the drummer and Burrell. Then he decided to insult Mr Turrentine, a very large man, who just stared at him until Smith visibly shrank and was quiet the rest of the set.
Saw Jimmy Smith a number of times. Sometimes he played his ass off and sometimes he mostly talked, and in some cases complained. One time I saw him getting into a huge verbal back and forth with a listener who was talking too loud. Jimmy defended his musicians and dressed down the listener . The whole thing was very uncomfortable . Jimmy was a great musician but he sure had an angry side to him. Doesn't seem like he was a happy man but nonetheless, his music was joyous. I had a jazz radio show in the '60s and I used Organ Grinder Swing as my opening theme each week. The combination of Jimmy and Kenny Burrell and others on that cut is just amazing.
Ha, ha, what an experience, albeit, bittersweet. Yea, the bitterness was palpable mong many performers. Of course, as you say, alcohol played a significant role, also in many performers repertoire. Thanks for sharing the story of your experience of one of the greats.
I remember once you, as Jazz Video Guy, sent me searching for the word meshuginah (sp?). I also recall (dimly) a somewhat unpleasant story about Smith and the great Barbara Dennerlein (B3 player). Too bad about his attitude. But as you point out, what a great player. Love his sense of harmony. Thanks for your writing, Bret.
I saw Mr Smith only once, at Fat Tuesday’s with Kenny Burrell and Stanley T.
Jimmy was drunk and belligerent and was openly insulting to the drummer and Burrell. Then he decided to insult Mr Turrentine, a very large man, who just stared at him until Smith visibly shrank and was quiet the rest of the set.
Saw Jimmy Smith a number of times. Sometimes he played his ass off and sometimes he mostly talked, and in some cases complained. One time I saw him getting into a huge verbal back and forth with a listener who was talking too loud. Jimmy defended his musicians and dressed down the listener . The whole thing was very uncomfortable . Jimmy was a great musician but he sure had an angry side to him. Doesn't seem like he was a happy man but nonetheless, his music was joyous. I had a jazz radio show in the '60s and I used Organ Grinder Swing as my opening theme each week. The combination of Jimmy and Kenny Burrell and others on that cut is just amazing.
Great musician, troubled guy. Alcohol brought out the worst in him.
Great article...I didn't know Jazz Central Station was your baby. They gave me a great press quote back in the day.
Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer you get to the end, the faster it spins.
Ha, ha, what an experience, albeit, bittersweet. Yea, the bitterness was palpable mong many performers. Of course, as you say, alcohol played a significant role, also in many performers repertoire. Thanks for sharing the story of your experience of one of the greats.
Thanks for reading. And your party was such a wonderful way to start the new year.
Thanks. I look froward to reading more as time permits.
I remember once you, as Jazz Video Guy, sent me searching for the word meshuginah (sp?). I also recall (dimly) a somewhat unpleasant story about Smith and the great Barbara Dennerlein (B3 player). Too bad about his attitude. But as you point out, what a great player. Love his sense of harmony. Thanks for your writing, Bret.
Thanks for your comment, Paul. Blessings to your family and best wishes for healthy 2024.
thank you for this article-
awesome
Glad you enjoyed.