What makes Plays Fats Waller by Jimmy Smith notable?

This album is significant for its fresh take on Fats Waller's compositions, contributing to the popularization of the Hammond B3 organ in jazz music. It received critical acclaim and further solidified Smith's role in shaping the jazz-funk genre, influencing countless musicians who followed in his footsteps. By the time Jimmy Smith released 'Plays Fats Waller' in 1962, he was already established as a pioneering jazz organist. This album came after his breakthrough with 'The Cat,' showcasing his ability to reinterpret jazz classics while solidifying his signature style, which fused hard bop with soul and funk influences.