The Lonnie Smith = John Abercrombie Trio - Afro Blue (1994) [2017 SACD]

Dr. Lonnie Smith is an unparalleled musician, composer, performer and recording artist. An authentic master and guru of the Hammond B-3 organ for over five decades, he has been featured on more than seventy albums, and has recorded and performed with a virtual "Who’s Who" of the greatest jazz, blues and R&B giants in the industry. Consequently, he has often been hailed as a "Legend," a "Living Musical Icon," and as the most creative jazz organist by a slew of music publications. Jazz Times magazine describes him as "a riddle wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a turban!" Always ahead of the curve, it is no surprise Dr. Smith's fan-base is truly worldwide.

His unpredictable, insatiable musical taste illustrates that no genre is safe, as Lonnie has recorded everything from covers of the Beatles, the Stylistics and the Eurythmics, to tribute albums of Jimi Hendrix, John Coltrane and Beck — all by employing ensembles ranging from a trio to a 15-piece big band. Moreover, many of Doc’s recent compositions reflect dramatic ethereal qualities and orchestration that elicit movie scores or soundtracks.

Dr. Smith has been amused to find himself sampled in rap, dance and house grooves while being credited as a forefather of acid jazz. When questioned about his consistent interest in music some consider outside the jazz "mainstream," Lonnie shrugs. "Jazz is American Classical," he proclaims. "And this music is a reflection of what’s happening at the time… The organ is like the sunlight, rain and thunder…it’s all the worldly sounds to me!"

"The propulsive title track is mostly dominated by Abercrombie, while 'Impressions' continues the driving pace as Lonnie sprays Hammond B-3 organ notes all over the place with constant brief call-and-response dialogues with himself. Another highlight is one of the two breathers, the aptly named 'Lonnie's Lament,' which has a nice haunting lilt... Abercrombie usually plays in his veiled, out-of-tempo manner, while 'Smitty' is a volatile, hyperkinetic workhorse most of the time, offering a complex individualistic challenge to the Elvin Jones standard." — Allmusic.com

Features:


Tracks:

01. Afro Blue 《 Trad 》
02. Impressions 《 J. Coltrane 》
03. Naima 《 J. Coltrane 》
04. Green Sleeves 《 Trad 》
05. Bessie's Blues 《 J. Coltrane 》
06. Lonnie's Lament 《 J. Coltrane 》
07. Traces Of Trane(I Bring Love) 《 L. Smith 》

Personnel:

Dr. Lonnie Smith (organ)
John Abercrombie (electric guitar)
Marvin "Smitty" Smith (drums)