Any Number Can Win
Jimmy Smith · 1963
36 min · 10 tracks · funk
A vibrant blend of hard bop and soulful grooves showcases Jimmy Smith's virtuosic organ skills and deep-rooted jazz influences.
Top tracks — play these first
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Georgia on My Mind — Smith's rendition transforms the classic into a soulful exploration, highlighting his ability to infuse personal emotion into well-known standards.
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The Sermon — As a centerpiece of the album, this track demonstrates Smith’s mastery of the Hammond organ, blending intricate solos with infectious rhythms that define his style.
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What'd I Say? — This energetic cover captures the essence of funk while incorporating Smith's signature jazz improvisation, making it a standout in his discography.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong organ-led compositions with engaging grooves, though it doesn't fully transcend its genre.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of organ as the lead instrument, with rhythmic backing from drums and bass throughout.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response patterns between the organ and other instruments, enhancing the groove.
- The tempo varies significantly across tracks, with some maintaining a steady upbeat pace while others slow down for more soulful expressions.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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
- dynamic progression with resolution
- vibrant grooves for lively gatherings
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- soulful moments of reflection
- engaging rhythms for casual listening
Maybe skip if you
- slow, drawn-out listening experiences
- long-form compositions without variety
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 1963, Jimmy Smith had established himself as a leading figure in jazz, following the success of his groundbreaking album 'The Sermon' in 1959. 'Any Number Can Win' came during a prolific period for Smith, solidifying his reputation and expanding his influence within both jazz and popular music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- George Benson· Herbie Hancock· Jimmy McGriff
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 You Came a Long Way From St. Louis 4:21
- 2 The Ape Woman 3:22
- 3 Georgia on My Mind 2:28
- 4 G'won Train 4:21
- 5 Theme From Any Number Can Win 2:12
- 6 What'd I Say? 2:52
- 7 The Sermon 7:42
- 8 Ruby 2:21
- 9 Tubs 2:48
- 10 Blues for C.A. 3:42
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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