The Sermon!
Jimmy Smith · 1959
71 min · 7 tracks · funk
A dynamic blend of soulful organ riffs and intricate rhythms that epitomizes the hard bop jazz movement.
Top tracks — play these first
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'S Wonderful — This opening track sets the tone with its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, highlighting Smith's playful improvisation and skillful command of the Hammond organ.
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The Sermon — The title track exemplifies Smith's mastery of rhythm and harmony, featuring an extensive improvisational section that showcases his unique style and deep jazz roots.
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Confirmation — This track stands out with its complex chord changes and intricate solos, demonstrating Smith's ability to blend traditional jazz elements with modern sensibilities.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong compositions and skilled performances, particularly in its improvisational elements.
What we noticed
- The title track 'The Sermon' features an extended improvisational section that showcases Smith's organ skills and allows for dynamic interplay with the accompanying musicians.
- Each track maintains a consistent mid-tempo groove, with rhythmic variations that keep the listener engaged throughout.
- The album opens with a standard jazz tune before transitioning into more complex arrangements, highlighting Smith's versatility as a performer.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- 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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7/10
- 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
- long, immersive listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
- atmospheric background focus
- gradual builds and payoffs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in December 1959, The Sermon! was Jimmy Smith's sixth album, marking a critical point in his career as he established himself as a leading figure in jazz organ. Following the success of his previous works, this album further solidified his innovative approach to combining jazz with blues and gospel influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- George Benson· Herbie Hancock· Jimmy McGriff
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 ’S Wonderful 5:02
- 2 Blue Room 5:34
- 3 Lover Man 7:02
- 4 Confirmation 10:35
- 5 Au Privave 15:12
- 6 The Sermon 20:15
- 7 Flamingo 8:01
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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