Plays Fats Waller
Jimmy Smith · 1962
34 min · 7 tracks · funk
Jimmy Smith's organ weaves playful grooves through classic Fats Waller tunes, blending jazz with soul and a touch of funk.
Top tracks — play these first
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Ain't Misbehavin' — This track highlights Smith's masterful use of rhythm and improvisation, transforming a classic into a lively showcase of his organ prowess.
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Honeysuckle Rose — With its upbeat tempo and engaging melodies, this rendition captures the joyful spirit of Waller's original while allowing Smith to shine with intricate solos.
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Everybody Loves My Baby — Smith infuses this track with infectious energy, making it a standout example of how he marries traditional jazz with contemporary grooves.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Smith's playful reinterpretation of Waller's tunes blends jazz and funk, showcasing his distinctive organ style.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of Jimmy Smith's organ as the lead instrument, creating a playful and rhythmic foundation throughout.
- Each track maintains a lively tempo, with intricate improvisations that showcase Smith's virtuosity and creativity.
- The arrangements often include syncopated rhythms and call-and-response patterns between the organ and accompanying instruments, enhancing the funk influence.
- 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
- playful grooves for easy listening
- steady pacing for casual enjoyment
- melodic journey through classic tunes
- inviting vibes for social gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking intense musical complexity
- prefer short, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In 1962, Jimmy Smith was transitioning into a prominent figure in jazz, having already gained acclaim from his earlier albums. 'Plays Fats Waller' followed his successful release 'Back at the Chicken Shack' and showcased his ability to reimagine standards through his innovative organ style, further solidifying his place in the jazz landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- George Benson· Herbie Hancock· Jimmy McGriff
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Everybody Loves My Baby 3:48
- 2 Squeeze Me 5:32
- 3 Ain't She Sweet 3:37
- 4 Ain't Misbehavin' 3:44
- 5 Lulu's Back in Town 5:17
- 6 Honeysuckle Rose 6:58
- 7 I've Found a New Baby 6:02
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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