[TR24][OF] Jimmy Smith - The Cat - 1964/2012 (Jazz)

Musicians:
Jimmy Smith (organ)
Ray Alonge, Jimmy Buffington, Earl Chapin, Bill Correa (french horn)
Kenny Burrell (guitar)
Don Butterfield (tuba)
Jimmy Cleveland (trombone)
George Duvivier (bass)
Bernie Glow, Thad Jones, Snooky Young (trumpet)
Urbie Green (trombone)
Phil Kraus (percussion)
Jimmy Maxwell, Marky Markowitz, Ernie Royal (trumpet)
Lalo Schifrin (arranger, conductor)
Tony Studd (bass trombone)
Grady Tate (drums)

Review by Scott Yanow
Compared to his earlier Blue Note recordings, organist Jimmy Smith's outings for Verve are not as strong from a jazz standpoint. Certainly his renditions of the "Theme from Joy House," "The Cat" and the "Main Title from The Carpetbaggers" are not all that significant. However, this CD has some tasteful arrangements for the big band by Lalo Schifrin and some good playing by the great organist on a variety of other blues-oriented material. Also the combination of organ with a big band is sometimes quite appealing, making this CD worth picking up despite its commercial tracks.