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

The album is significant for its role in popularizing soul jazz during the early '70s, with tracks like 'Black Feeling!' receiving notable airplay on jazz radio stations. It solidified Smith's reputation as a leading figure in the genre, influencing subsequent artists and contributing to the broader movement of blending jazz with soul elements. Released in 1970, 'Black Feeling!' marked Johnny 'Hammond' Smith's transition from a sideman to a prominent bandleader. This album came after his earlier work with renowned artists like Horace Silver, showcasing his evolving musical identity in the soul jazz scene.