Lonnie Smith – Drives [Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series]

Description

Dr. Lonnie Smith’s Drives captures the Hammond B3 master in a spirited early session that helped establish his distinctive place within late-1960s soul jazz. Originally recorded in 1970 for Blue Note, the album features Smith alongside guitarist Ronnie Cuber, trumpeter Dave Hubbard, tenor saxophonist Ronnie Cuber, and drummer Idris Muhammad. The session reflects the groove-forward direction Blue Note was exploring at the time, blending jazz improvisation with funk rhythms and blues phrasing. In the decades since its release, the album has become a favorite among listeners drawn to Smith’s deep-pocket organ playing and the band’s relaxed but focused chemistry.

Across Drives, Smith leans into rhythmic momentum and warm tonal color, letting the Hammond organ carry both melody and groove. Tracks such as “Spinning Wheel,” “Seven Steps To Heaven,” and the title track “Drives” showcase his ability to balance soulful phrasing with agile improvisation. The band responds with tight interplay and a laid-back swagger that keeps the music moving without crowding the organ’s voice. Guitar lines weave around Smith’s chords while the rhythm section locks into a steady pocket, giving the album a sense of motion that reflects its title.

This Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series edition presents Drives on all-analog vinyl mastered from the original master tapes by Kevin Gray. The pressing follows the series’ established approach of preserving the sound and presentation of the Blue Note catalog while offering a modern, high-quality pressing. Housed in a gatefold jacket that reflects the original album artwork, the release highlights the warm organ tone, punchy rhythm section, and spacious studio sound that define the session.

• Format: Black Vinyl LP
• Standout tracks: “Spinning Wheel,” “Seven Steps To Heaven,” “Drives”
• Pressing details: Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series, all-analog mastering by Kevin Gray from original master tapes, gatefold jacket
• Genre/style: Soul Jazz, Jazz Funk, Organ Jazz
• UPC: 602465148602

With its deep groove, expressive organ work, and tight ensemble playing, Drives stands as one of Dr. Lonnie Smith’s most engaging Blue Note recordings and a strong example of the label’s transition into the groove-heavy jazz sound of the early 1970s.

* The Spotify track list may not exactly represent the tracks and audio of this LP edition.

Track List:

Side A:

1. Twenty-Five Miles
2. Spinning Wheel
3. Seven Steps To Heaven

Side B:

1. Psychedelic Pi
2. Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?