Jazz Archives

Louis Smith had a brilliant debut on this Blue Note album, his first of two before becoming a full-time teacher. The opener (Duke Pearson's "Tribute to Brownie") was a perfect piece for Smith to interpret, since his style was heavily influenced by Clifford Brown (who had died the previous year). He is also in excellent form on four of his basic originals and takes a particularly memorable solo on a haunting rendition of "Stardust." Altoist Cannonball Adderley (who used the pseudonym of "Buckshot La Funke" on this set, a name later used by Branford Marsalis), Duke Jordan or Tommy Flanagan on piano, bassist Doug Watkins, and drummer Art Taylor make for a potent supporting cast, but the focus is mostly on the criminally obscure Louis Smith. After cutting his second Blue Note set and switching to teaching, Smith would not record again as a leader until 1978. All bop and '50s jazz fans are strongly advised to pick up this CD reissue before it disappears.

1. Tribute to Brownie6:35

2. Brill's Blues8:18

3. Ande6:39

4. Star Dust5:16

5. South Side8:35

6. Val's Blues6:17

Bass - Doug Watkins
Composed By - Louis Smith (2) (tracks: 2, 3, 5, 6)
Drums - Art Taylor
Other [Original Liner Notes] - Leonard Feather
Other [Reissue Liner Notes] - Bob Blumenthal
Photography [Cover And Liner] - Francis Wolff
Piano - Duke Jordan (tracks: 1, 2, 5) , Tommy Flanagan (tracks: 3, 4, 6)
Producer - Tom Wilson (2)
Reissue Producer - Michael Cuscuna
Remastered By - Rudy Van Gelder
Saxophone [Alto] - Cannonball Adderley
Trumpet - Louis Smith (2)