What makes The Stinger Meets the Golden Thrush by Johnny "Hammond" Smith notable?

This album is significant for its role in popularizing soul jazz during the 1960s, a movement characterized by its incorporation of rhythm and blues elements into jazz. It received critical acclaim for its innovative approach and has influenced subsequent generations of musicians within the genre, contributing to Smith's lasting legacy in jazz history. Released in 1966, The Stinger Meets the Golden Thrush is Johnny 'Hammond' Smith's fourth studio album and marks a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing his transition into the soul jazz genre. This album follows his earlier work, where he began to establish himself as a prominent figure in the jazz scene, bringing a fresh sound to the forefront of the genre.

How many songs are on The Stinger Meets the Golden Thrush?

The Stinger Meets the Golden Thrush has 8 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

Released 60 years ago

The Stinger Meets the Golden Thrush

Johnny "Hammond" Smith · 1966

35 min · 8 tracks · soul jazz

A vibrant blend of soulful melodies and intricate jazz arrangements that showcases Hammond's unique organ stylings.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Golden Thrush — Opening with a catchy melody, this track sets the tone for the entire album with its engaging rhythms and soulful vibe, highlighting Smith's mastery of the organ.
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Stormy Monday Blues — This rendition showcases Smith's emotive playing style while blending blues influences seamlessly with jazz elements, making it a standout track on the record.
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If I Ruled the World — A reinterpretation of a classic tune, this track illustrates Smith's ability to infuse traditional songs with new life through his expressive organ work and unique arrangement.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong organ-led compositions with solid craftsmanship, contributing to its distinct sound in soul jazz.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of Hammond organ as the lead instrument, with intricate solos that dominate most tracks.
Each track maintains a mid-tempo groove, often incorporating rhythmic elements typical of rhythm and blues.
Several tracks utilize call-and-response patterns between the organ and the accompanying instruments, enhancing the dynamic interplay.

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: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

How I Lost My Love

The narrative shifts from reminiscence to regret as the protagonist recounts moments shared with a lost love, punctuated by poignant instrumental breaks.

The contrasting emotional shifts between verses and instrumentals create a dynamic tension that enhances the sense of loss throughout the song.

Tracklist

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

1 The Golden Thrush 3:20
2 Stormy Monday Blues 4:37
3 Broadway 5:24
4 On a Clear Day 4:23
5 Oriole 3:55
6 If I Ruled the World 3:22
7 Blue Jay 5:19
8 How I Lost My Love 5:35

What to play next

Listen next

Love Potion #9

1967

Go back to

Opus De Funk

1966

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

soul jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata