Released 60 years ago
Bucket!
Jimmy Smith · 1966
45 min · 9 tracks · funk
A vibrant blend of hard bop and soul, driven by Jimmy Smith's signature organ riffs and infectious grooves.
Top tracks — play these first
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Bucket — The title track features an energetic interplay between Smith's organ and the tight rhythm section, setting the tone for the album's lively spirit.
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Careless Love — This rendition showcases Smith's ability to infuse classic standards with a soulful groove while highlighting his expressive playing style.
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3 for 4 — A standout track that exemplifies Smith's intricate arrangements and skillful improvisation within a complex time signature framework.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong compositions and vibrant performances, making it a notable entry in jazz-funk.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features a strong, repetitive organ riff, establishing a groove that persists through the first half.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response patterns between the organ and horns, creating a dynamic interplay throughout the record.
- The last two tracks slow down significantly, introducing a more reflective mood that contrasts with the earlier upbeat tempos.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady mid-tempo groove exploration
- infectious rhythms for dancing
- vibrant energy for gatherings
- engaging organ riffs throughout
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced listening experiences
- seek minimalistic soundscapes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1966, Bucket! is one of Jimmy Smith's later works during his prolific period in the jazz scene. By this time, Smith had already established himself as a leading figure in jazz organ, following hits like 'The Cat' and 'Back at the Chicken Shack.' This album continues to showcase his innovative approach to blending funk with traditional jazz elements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- George Benson· Herbie Hancock· Jimmy McGriff
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Bucket 4:43
- 2 Careless Love 3:54
- 3 3 for 4 4:50
- 4 Just Squeeze Me 5:45
- 5 Sassy Mae 4:20
- 6 Come Rain or Come Shine 5:47
- 7 John Brown’s Body 6:21
- 8 Trouble in Mind 5:40
- 9 Sassy Mae (alternate take) 3:52
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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