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

This album significantly impacted the jazz scene by showcasing the Hammond organ's potential beyond traditional settings, influencing countless musicians and genres. It received positive critical acclaim, highlighting Smith's virtuosic playing and creative arrangements that helped bridge jazz with rhythm and blues. Released in 1956, A New Sound – A New Star marked Jimmy Smith's emergence as a leading figure in jazz organ. This album followed his breakthrough debut, demonstrating his innovative approach to the Hammond B-3 organ and solidifying his role in popularizing the instrument in jazz contexts.

Who is A New Sound – A New Star for?

A New Sound – A New Star works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and atmospheric background focus.

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

A New Sound – A New Star has 7 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Released 70 years ago

A New Sound – A New Star

Jimmy Smith · 1956

40 min · 7 tracks · funk

A vibrant blend of hard bop and soul, featuring dynamic organ grooves and intricate improvisations.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Champ — Opening with a strong groove, this track exemplifies Smith's energetic style and ability to fuse complex rhythms with catchy melodies.
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Deep Purple — Smith’s interpretation transforms this classic into a soulful journey, showcasing his skillful use of dynamics and emotive phrasing throughout the piece.
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Moonlight in Vermont — This track highlights Smith's ability to evoke mood through lush harmonies and subtle improvisation, making it a standout moment on the album.

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 features vibrant organ-led compositions with intricate improvisations that highlight Smith's innovative style.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track featuring rapid organ riffs and a strong rhythm section, setting a lively tone.
Each track showcases extended improvisation, with the organ often taking the lead while the accompanying instruments provide a dynamic backdrop.
Several tracks feature shifts in tempo and mood, moving from upbeat grooves to more contemplative sections, particularly evident in 'Deep Purple' and 'Moonlight in Vermont'.

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

long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
atmospheric background focus
steady, consistent energy levels

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1956, A New Sound – A New Star marked Jimmy Smith's emergence as a leading figure in jazz organ. This album followed his breakthrough debut, demonstrating his innovative approach to the Hammond B-3 organ and solidifying his role in popularizing the instrument in jazz contexts.
Stylistic neighbors: George Benson· Herbie Hancock· Jimmy McGriff

Tracklist

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

1 The Champ 8:32
2 Bayou 4:49
3 Deep Purple 7:11
4 Moonlight in Vermont 4:30
5 Ready 'n Able 6:27
6 Turquoise 4:10
7 Bubbis 4:28

What to play next

Listen next

Plays Pretty Just for You

1957

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