Search - Louis Smith :: Here Comes Louis Smith

Here Comes Louis Smith...Again!

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 06/30/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ten years ago Blue Note took the bold step to reissue some of their rarest, most obscure albums in the fourth (or fifth) round of the limited edition Connoisseur series. "Here Comes Louis Smith" was one of those dozen or so CDs, and it quickly drifted out of print, joining its original vinyl counterpart as an expensive collectable. But now lightning has struck twice, as this great disc is available once more as an RVG Edition title. This February 1957 session was originally made for Tom Wilson's Transition label, and was one of a number of recordings for which Alfred Lion bought the rights. The sessions are of particular interest to jazz aficionados for three reasons. First, it is the debut of a gifted young trumpeter in the post-Brownie era, and Smith stakes his claim to the throne here. Second, it marks the initial appearance of a soon to be Blue Note favorite son, Duke Pearson. However, Duke isn't tickling the ivories (that honor goes to another Duke, Duke Jordan, on three of the tracks), but is instead lending his composition talents on the opening number, "Tribute to Brownie." Finally, and most significantly, this album showcases the saxophone talents of the great Buckshot La Funke. What, you've never heard of old Buckshot? Why Branford Marsalis even named one of his bands after the man! Still scratching your head...well, don't be alarmed. The name is actually an alias (hence, the reason for it appearing in quotes on the cover) for someone I know you have heard of...Julian "Cannonball" Adderley. The alto man is in top form here, along with the rest of the band -- Tommy Flanagan on piano (the other three tracks), Doug Watkins on bass and Art Taylor on drums. In all, it is great to have Louis Smith here again, finally for all to enjoy."

Incredible Debut by a Jazz Trumpet Unknown!

Richard M. Gunderson | North Bay, California USA | 02/09/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After trying for many months to find a copy of this CD, I finally succeeded; and it has been well-worth the frustration and time involved in getting it!

This 1957 release was the first recorded outing for Clifford Brown influenced trumpeter Louis Smith. Originally recorded for the Transition label and never released, Blue Note's Alfred Lion bought the masters after Transition went out of business. Like most recorded debuts, the new artist Louis Smith, was surrounded by a bevy of talented sidemen including Cannonball Adderley, Duke Jordan, Tommy Flanagan, Doug Watkins, and Art Taylor. Unlike most debuts, however, Louis Smith just commands your attention from the beginning; his 30 bars of Brownie-inspired playing that begins this session is a revelation and a teaser of the greatness to come. Certainly Alfred Lion thought he had discovered another Clifford Brown since Louis displays both the technical chops and fluency of his main influence and was only 26 at the time. The artistry in this session comes not from the tunes themselves (mostly standards and tunes built on standards), but from the fresh approach of both Louis and Cannonball. To my ears, '50's Cannonball Adderley is really where he reached his peak, where the ideas just flow forever. The highlight of the session is the tune "Southside" where Louis and Cannonball just flat air it out. Louis Smith went on to release a couple more dates then left the scene to teach. Much later in his career he released a few more exceptional dates; at this writing he is reported to be ill, unfortunately.

Without a doubt, this CD is worth the trouble you might experience in obtaining it. It's an unknown classic that deserves to be heard by all."