Louis Smith - Here Comes Louis Smith (1958) [2021] Hi-Res

Louis Smith had a brilliant debut on this Blue Note album, his first of two before becoming a full-time teacher. The opener (Duke Pearson's "Tribute to Brownie") was a perfect piece for Smith to interpret, since his style was heavily influenced by Clifford Brown (who had died the previous year). He is also in excellent form on four of his basic originals and takes a particularly memorable solo on a haunting rendition of "Stardust." Altoist Cannonball Adderley (who used the pseudonym of "Buckshot La Funke" on this set, a name later used by Branford Marsalis), Duke Jordan or Tommy Flanagan on piano, bassist Doug Watkins, and drummer Art Taylor make for a potent supporting cast, but the focus is mostly on the criminally obscure Louis Smith. After cutting his second Blue Note set and switching to teaching, Smith would not record again as a leader until 1978. All bop and '50s jazz fans are strongly advised to pick up this album reissue before it disappears.

Tracks:

01 - Tribute to Brownie 06:38
02 - Brill's Blues 08:22
03 - Ande 06:42
04 - Star Dust 05:19
05 - South Side 08:38
06 - Val's Blues 06:38

Personnel:

Louis Smith - trumpet
Cannonball Adderley (credited as "Buckshot La Funke") - alto saxophone (tracks 1-3, 5 & 6)
Tommy Flanagan (tracks 3, 4 & 6), Duke Jordan (tracks 1, 2 & 5) - piano
Doug Watkins - bass
Art Taylor - drums