Smith, Lonnie – Drives

Description

New Vinyl Record -Smith, Lonnie – Drives

One of the most creative and funkiest organists of all time, Lonnie Smithwas first introduced to Blue Note listeners by standout sideman appearances with saxophonist Lou Donaldson who featured the B3 virtuoso on late-1960s soul jazz classics includingAlligator Bogaloo,Mr. Shing-a-Ling, andMidnight Creeper. Smith went on to lead his own excellent Blue Note dates including his label debutThink!(1968) andTurning Point(1969). As the calendar turned to 1970, he was back in Van Gelder Studio on January 2 to recordDrives, a showcase of the organist’s unparalleled sense of adventure and indomitable groove. With a sturdy 5-piece band featuringDave Hubbardon tenor saxophone,Ronnie Cuberon baritone saxophone,Larry McGeeon guitar, andJoe Dukeson drums, Smith delivers a dynamic program including funky takes on recent hits like Edwin Starr’s “Twenty-Five Miles” and Blood, Sweat & Tears’ “Spinning Wheel,” as well as a fleet version of Miles Davis’ “Seven Steps to Heaven” full of twists and turns.

Side One:

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

Side Two:

1. Psychedelic Pi
2. Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf?