Search - Johnny Smith :: Kaleidoscope

A tremendous album

Jeff | 02/02/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"He may have an enigmatic name, but there is certainly nothing enigmatic about his guitar work! Simply put, Johnny Smith is a jazz guitar genius and always has been. I had this album on vinyl many years ago, and it still holds up. Thankfully, it is available as an import cd these days. How about a domestic release? Anyway, a terrific album, and the only place you'll find his version of "Walk, Don't Run", a song he wrote that was made popular by the Ventures. However, after hearing Johnny's version, it'll seem like the Ventures did the song their way because they just didn't have enough chops to do it Johnny's way. Great album. 2 words: get it! Enjoy!"

Another terrific jazz work by a jazz guitar Icon

Michael Gannon | Westchester County, NY | 02/16/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Johnny Smith, (not Hammond!) has been one of the true, few viruoso guitarists over the past several decades. His polished style is unlike most other guitarists in its cleanliness and accuracy. His chordal styling is not only spectacular but unique from most other top players. If you are looking for the HIGH-END of the jazz guitar world, Johnny Smith is it! Enjoy!"

Two words: Johnny Smith

Jazzcat | Genoa, Italy Italy | 07/06/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Johnny Smith is one of the most talented guitar players of all time. He is absolutly in the Jazz guitar alltime hall of fame. He was incredibly technical but his music flows like the simplest things. His chordal work is amazing, pure I would describe it. This album is fantastic just a little step behind "Johnny Smith" the 1964 Verve release by the master. I own both and they coupled, form an amazing listening experience. I own even the Mosaic box and some other Roulette releases. I can say that every album from the man deserves to be listened. In particular here you have some tunes you won't miss if they have been played by Johnny Smith. "Days of wine and roses" and "Dreanmsville" from Henry Mancini and some more amazing standards such as "My foolish heart". Here you have the classic jazz trio plus soloist format (piano, upright bass, drums and the solo instrument, Mr. Smith's guitar). If you find this cd pay the price they're asking whatever it may be (high in the case of the Japanese edition). In any case you'll listen to kaleidoscope thousands of times so you'll get that money back in the form of a lot of fantastic listening sessions. Thanks Johnny!"