Lonnie Smith - Drives (1970) [2009 Japan 24-bit Remaster]

Lonnie Smith had the raw skills, imagination, and versatility to play burning originals, bluesy covers of R&B and pop, or skillful adaptations of conventional jazz pieces and show tunes. Why he never established himself as a consistent performer remains a mystery, but this 1970 reissue shows why he excited so many people during his rise. Smith's solos on "Spinning Wheel" and his own composition, "Psychedelic PI," are fleet and furious, boosting the songs from interesting to arresting. He's also impressive on "Seven Steps to Heaven," while the array of phrases, rhythms, and voicings on "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" demonstrate a mastery of the organ's pedals and keys rivaling that of the instrument's king, Jimmy Smith.


Tracks:

01 - Twenty Five Miles
02 - Spinning Wheel
03 - Seven Steps To Heaven
04 - Psychedelic Pi
05 - Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf

Personnel:

Lonnie Smith - organ
Dave Hubbard - tenor saxophone
Ronnie Cuber - baritone saxophone
Larry McGee - guitar
Joe Dukes - drums