What makes Black Feeling! by Johnny "Hammond" Smith notable?

Black Feeling! stands out for its critical acclaim and its role in popularizing soul jazz during the early 1970s. The album has been praised for its innovative arrangements and rhythmic complexity, influencing subsequent generations of musicians in both jazz and funk realms. Released in 1970, Black Feeling! marked Johnny 'Hammond' Smith's transition from sideman to bandleader, following his prior work with artists like Lou Donaldson. This album was a significant step in establishing his unique sound within the soul jazz genre, as it showcased his ability to blend jazz with more contemporary funk elements.

How many songs are on Black Feeling!?

Black Feeling! has 6 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Black Feeling!

Johnny "Hammond" Smith · 1970

36 min · 6 tracks · soul jazz

Soul jazz grooves intertwine with deep funk rhythms, showcasing Hammond's virtuosic organ playing and infectious improvisational flair.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Black Feeling! — The title track opens the album with a dynamic energy that sets the tone, featuring intricate organ solos layered over infectious grooves.
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Johnny Hammond Boogaloo — This track exemplifies the fusion of jazz and funk, showcasing Smith's prowess on the organ while inviting listeners to dance.
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Soul Talk 1970 — With its reflective melodies and emotive improvisation, this piece captures the essence of Smith's soulful approach to jazz expression.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and skilled performances, establishing a distinctive sound within soul jazz.

What we noticed

The album features extended improvisational sections, with the organ often taking center stage while the rhythm section provides a steady groove.
Each track maintains a consistent tempo, with most songs clocking in over five minutes, allowing for exploration of themes and motifs.
The arrangements incorporate elements of funk, with syncopated bass lines and tight drumming that complement the organ's melodic lines.

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Black Feeling! 6:37
2 Kindra 5:43
3 Johnny Hammond Boogaloo 5:04
4 Dig on It 7:59
5 When Sunny Gets Blue 4:29
6 Soul Talk 1970 6:21

What to play next

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soul jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata