From andy@speakeasyvintagemusic.com Thu Oct 11 12:33:50 2001
Subject:Re: Jimmy Smith in the DC area

Hey Kirk,
Had to put in my 2 cents here. I only discovered Jimmy Smith a few
years ago, and his show at the Ram's Head was my first live experience.
I was blown away. I got a seat right behind his right shoulder so I
could watch his hands and feet all night, and despite a big-ass bandage
on his right index finger he played the hell out of that Hammond.
(Although he did start complaining about bad organs - especially on the
East Coast - when his low D pedal stopped working.)
Of course, I have nothing to compare it to. The Ram's Head splits
the show into two audiences so I saw one 45-minute set. There was a bit
of drum and guitar soloing, but shit it's a jazz band. Jimmy still took
some time in every song but one.
Like you, I have recently seen Ray and BB and loved them both. Of
course, I would love to have been born forty years earlier, followed
these artists my whole life, and seen them in their prime, but all 3
shows kicked my ass - partially because those guys are so old and are
still doing it. I still believe what I saw was GREAT organ jazz.

Andy

kirk_topits@csi.com wrote:

> I have been a Jimmy Smith Fan for over 30 years, and I saw him perform
>
> about 10 years ago in Atlanta. Last night I went to his DOT COM
> performance in Atlanta - in brief - he seems pretty burned out on
> performances (not surprising for his age) and gave a pretty brief show
>
> (similar to Ray Charles and BB King). He started 30 minutes late, 40
> minutes on, 25 minute break, 40 minutes on - and then swore at the B3,
>
> said he was too old, and walked out. Of the 80 minutes, 20 was solo
> work by the guitar and drums, and the bulk of Jimmy's playing was
> background. My point? Disappointed. I was hoping to hear some great
> organ jazz...
>
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