Search - Jimmy Smith :: Off the Top

Unknown but marvellous recording!

stef | Genoa Italy | 07/31/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"George Benson meet Jimmy Smith, Stanley Turrentine, Grady Tate, Ron Carter for a fantastic studio blowing date. Yes, it is true. Here you can find some of the best straight ahead jazz solos by guitar monster George Benson. And what can you say about his pals here? Ron Carter? Wow!! A still in shape Jimmy Smith? Wow! The underestimate Stanley Turrentine? Wow!! Grady Tate? Wow!!
I love this obscure and unknown record very much. A rare jewel. Discover it!"

Smokin' Like A Cuban Cigar!

Becton | Los Angeles, CA United States | 03/26/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Cuban cigar is described by many aficionados as being the best of its class, the penultimate. Well, analogously, this disc is clearly at the top, albeit, "Off the Top". Further, the band's tempo, range, and tenacity clearly smoke! Smith stretches out on several cuts and reminds me of a revival while the band rhythmically sets the stage. The group's timing is impeccable and clearly demonstrative of the legendary-like status each deserves. This disc, for whatever reason, unfortunately, was not marketed well, so a large audience of the musicians' respective fans are unaware of this gem! Perhaps the spontaneity of the session contributed to that, I'm not sure. It was a very, very rare occasion where each musician happened to be in town from either traveling to Kool Jazz Festivals or other gigs. However, I'm not a proponent of chance, so, I believe, very much so, there's a reason these stellar musicians just "happened" to be available at the same time, and only for one day if I recall correctly! Can you imagine that? If you want first-class, top-notch form from each musician individually and collectively, you must have this piece. As well, the reality of it is, this is an historic jazz event to get these all-stars together. Time to go... I have to go get "Off the Top" from my top shelf!"

EXTRA TRACKS : it contains the fidelity sound of the Live LP

OrganJazzMan | Italy | 07/23/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This cd is excellent, because it also contains the Jimmy Smith's '84 live record "Keep on Comig', that at last was transferred with th original sound, where you can appreciate the clear sound of the b-3 organ .

The titles of the missing tracks are :

8)KEEP ON COMIN' (live)

9)BE YOURSELF (live)

10)NO PROBLEM (Live)

11)CALLITWHACHAWANA (Live)



The cd titled "keep on comin" has completaly spoiled the sound, for too high level of the sound and for the obscure digital transfer.

So I warmly suggest to buy this great cd !!!!!!!1"