Johnny Smith - Moonlight In Vermont (1953) [2016 SHM-CD Jazz Masters Collection 1200]

Reissue with SHM-CD format and new 24bit remastering. A beautiful document of some of the most laidback jazz ever recorded – the sublime 50s recordings of the Johnny Smith group, done at a time when the lineup included Stan Getz! The tunes on the set feature Johnny's mellow electric guitar setting the pace, alongside wonderfully-blown early solos from Stan, plus some other tenor work from Zoot Sims and Paul Quinichette, who also sit in the tenor chair on a few of these recordings. The tunes are mostly standards, but done in a great style that's not exactly cool jazz, but which has a groundbreakingly easy groove that's simply sublime!

Johnny Smith's best-known album, 1952's Moonlight in Vermont (also the title of his signature song), assured the guitarist a place in jazz history. While saxophone legend Stan Getz is a prominent guest on the record, and certainly threatens to steal the show on numerous occasions, the spotlight never strays too far from Smith, who easily entrances with his supremely laid-back style. Consisting almost entirely of standards, it's ideal for lulling listeners to sleep – in the most pleasing sense – as Smith's spare, chiming, six-string lines gently mesh with the subtle rhythmic backing and Getz's resonant sax playing, as revealed on lilting renditions of "Where or When" and "Stars Fell on Alabama." Of course, the title track is the main attraction of the disc, garnering its reputation with gorgeously delicate work by the entire ensemble. The epitome of Smith's mesmerizing, soporific style of jazz, Moonlight in Vermont is all that most listeners will need by this amiable artist.

Tracks:

01 - Where Or When
02 - Tabu
03 - Moonlight In Vermont
04 - Jaguar
05 - Sometimes I'm Happy
06 - Stars Fell On Alabama
07 - Nice Work If You Can Get It
08 - Tenderly
09 - Jaguar
10 - A Ghost Of A Chance
11 - Vilia
12 - My Funny Valentine
13 - Yesterdays
14 - Cavu
15 - I'll Be Around
16 - Cherokee

Personnel:

Johnny Smith – guitar
Stan Getz – tenor saxophone
Bob Carter – bass
Morey Feld – drums
Arnold Fishkind – bass
Sanford Gold – piano
Don Lamond – drums
Eddie Safranski – bass