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

Soul Talk received critical acclaim for its innovative fusion of jazz and soul elements, positioning Smith as a key player in the burgeoning soul jazz movement. The title track and others became influential within the genre, contributing to the rise of soul-infused jazz during a transformative era in music. Released in 1969, Soul Talk marked Johnny 'Hammond' Smith's transition into a prominent figure in the soul jazz scene following his earlier work as a session musician. This album came after his debut, 'Something Special,' showcasing his evolution as a bandleader and composer, solidifying his unique sound within the genre.

How many songs are on Soul Talk?

Soul Talk has 5 tracks, running approximately 33 minutes.

Soul Talk

Johnny "Hammond" Smith · 1969

33 min · 5 tracks · soul jazz

A vibrant blend of soulful grooves and jazz improvisation that captures the essence of late 1960s soul jazz.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Soul Talk — The title track features an extended groove that exemplifies Smith's ability to blend intricate jazz improvisation with infectious rhythms, setting the tone for the entire album.
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All Soul — This piece showcases Smith’s virtuosic organ playing while incorporating soulful melodies that resonate deeply with listeners, highlighting his command of the instrument.
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Purty Dirty — With its funky undertones and rhythmic complexity, this track stands out for its playful energy and demonstrates Smith’s skill in crafting engaging arrangements.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Soul Talk blends soulful grooves and jazz improvisation, showcasing strong musicianship and thematic exploration.

What we noticed

The album features five tracks, all of which maintain a consistent mid-tempo groove throughout.
Each track showcases extended improvisational sections, allowing the musicians to explore themes rather than adhering strictly to song structures.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Soul Talk 9:30
2 All Soul 5:30
3 Up to Date 7:50
4 Purty Dirty 6:05
5 This Guy's in Love With You 4:25

What to play next

Listen next

Black Feeling!

1970

Go back to

Soul Flowers

1968

Full Johnny "Hammond" Smith discography Artists like Johnny "Hammond" Smith

soul jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata