Ultimate Jimmy Smith (1999)

About this title: Verve's Ultimate Jimmy Smith may not live up to its billing -- after all, many of Smith's classic recordings were for Blue Note -- but the budget-priced collection is nevertheless a terrific introductory sampler. Grover Washington, Jr., a kindred spirit in the quest for groove, selected the 12 songs on the compilation, and he did an excellent job of balancing acknowledged classics with choices that illustrate Smith's range. Some listeners will undoubtedly find a favorite or two missing, but these 11 tracks -- including "The Champ," "Refractions," "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf," "Walk on the ... read more

Tracks:

1. The Champ [Gillespie]
2. Refractions [Nelson]
3. Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? [Kirkpatrick/Knox]
4. I'm an Old Cowhand (From the Rio Grande) [Mercer]
5. Walk on the Wild Side [Bernstein/David]
6. Hobo Flats [Nelson]
7. Blues for J [Smith]
8. Lil' Darlin' [Hefti]
9. Ol' Man River [Kern/Hammerstein]
10. Call Me [Hatch]
11. Slaughter on Tenth Avenue [Rodgers]
12. Organ Grinder's Swing [Hudson/Mills/Parish]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.