What makes A New Sound – A New Star by Jimmy Smith notable?

This album is significant for its role in popularizing the jazz organ, helping to set the stage for subsequent artists in the genre. It received positive critical reception, notably from DownBeat magazine, and helped cement Smith's position within the hard bop movement. Released in 1956, A New Sound – A New Star was Jimmy Smith's first album after signing with Blue Note Records, marking a significant turn in his career. This debut under the label established him as a leading figure in the jazz organ scene, solidifying his unique sound that would influence countless musicians.

Who is A New Sound – A New Star for?

A New Sound – A New Star works well if you're into vibrant, uplifting energy, for social gatherings and smooth, relaxing background music.

How many songs are on A New Sound – A New Star?

A New Sound – A New Star has 9 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Released 70 years ago

A New Sound – A New Star

Jimmy Smith · 1956

39 min · 9 tracks · funk

A vibrant blend of jazz organ grooves and smooth melodies that captures the essence of mid-century cool.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Way You Look Tonight — This track showcases Smith's ability to blend sophisticated melodies with rhythmic complexity, setting a precedent for future jazz interpretations of pop standards.
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The Preacher — A signature piece for Smith, this track highlights his improvisational skill and ability to infuse gospel influences into jazz, making it a staple in his repertoire.
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Joy — With its playful tempo and uplifting melody, this track encapsulates the joyful spirit of Smith’s style while demonstrating his mastery of the organ.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album effectively blends jazz organ with vibrant grooves, establishing a strong identity in the genre.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of the jazz organ as the lead instrument, with rhythmic grooves that drive each track.
Tracks often include call-and-response patterns between the organ and accompanying instruments, creating a dynamic interplay.
Several pieces incorporate extended solos, allowing for improvisation that showcases Smith's technical skill and musicality.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

vibrant, uplifting energy
for social gatherings
smooth, relaxing background music
captivating melodic moments

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1956, A New Sound – A New Star was Jimmy Smith's first album after signing with Blue Note Records, marking a significant turn in his career. This debut under the label established him as a leading figure in the jazz organ scene, solidifying his unique sound that would influence countless musicians.
Stylistic neighbors: George Benson· Herbie Hancock· Jimmy McGriff

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 The Way You Look Tonight 5:00
2 You Get 'Cha 4:20
3 Midnight Sun 4:23
4 Lady Be Good 5:45
5 The High and the Mighty 4:19
6 But Not for Me 4:27
7 The Preacher 4:32
8 Tenderly 3:53
9 Joy 3:14

What to play next

Listen next

A New Sound – A New Star

1956

Go back to

At the Organ - The Incredible Jimmy Smith Volume 3

1956

Full Jimmy Smith discography Artists like Jimmy Smith

funk indie rock jazz fusion

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata