What makes Soul Flowers by Johnny "Hammond" Smith notable?

'Soul Flowers' is significant for its rich arrangement of covers that highlight Smith's unique style, contributing to the soul jazz genre's development. The album, while not a commercial blockbuster, received critical acclaim and helped solidify Smith's place in the jazz community, influencing future musicians in the genre. 'Soul Flowers' was released in 1968, during Johnny 'Hammond' Smith's rise in the soul jazz scene. This album followed his previous works and showcased his growing reputation as a prominent organist and bandleader, refining his sound with a blend of popular standards and original compositions.