Plays Pretty Just for You
Jimmy Smith · 1957
41 min · 8 tracks · funk
A lush blend of jazz standards brought to life by Jimmy Smith's soulful organ grooves and melodic dexterity.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Nearness of You — The track showcases Smith's ability to infuse a standard with emotional depth while exploring intricate harmonies on the organ.
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Autumn in New York — Here, Smith's smooth phrasing and rich tone create an atmosphere of nostalgia, making it a standout interpretation of this timeless classic.
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I Can’t Get Started — This track highlights Smith's innovative approach to rhythm and phrasing, turning a familiar tune into a fresh, expressive experience.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Smith's organ work blends jazz standards with funk elements, showcasing his unique style and solidifying his role in jazz history.
What we noticed
- Each track features extended organ solos that showcase Jimmy Smith's improvisational skills, often accompanied by a tight rhythm section.
- Several tracks incorporate intricate chord progressions and syncopated rhythms, highlighting Smith's jazz influences while maintaining a funk groove.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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 pacing for relaxed listening
- soulful grooves for evening unwind
- melodic development invites deep focus
- backdrop for intimate gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer immediate gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1957, Plays Pretty Just for You was a pivotal moment in Jimmy Smith's career, following his successful debut album, A New Sound... A New Star. At this point, Smith was establishing himself as a leading figure in jazz organ playing, blending bebop influences with soul and blues elements that would define his style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- George Benson· Herbie Hancock· Jimmy McGriff
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Nearness of You 5:45
- 2 The Jitterbug Waltz 4:56
- 3 East of the Sun 6:05
- 4 Autumn in New York 4:23
- 5 Penthouse Serenade 5:28
- 6 The Very Thought of You 4:30
- 7 I Can’t Get Started 4:47
- 8 Old Devil Moon 5:39
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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