Details

One of the most creative and funkiest organists of all time,Lonnie Smithwas first introduced to Blue Note listeners by standout sideman appearances with saxophonist Lou Donaldson who featured the B3 virtuoso on late-1960s soul jazz classics includingAlligator Bogaloo,Mr. Shing-a-Ling, andMidnight Creeper. Smith went on to lead his own excellent Blue Note dates including his label debutThink!(1968) andTurning Point(1969). As the calendar turned to 1970, he was back in Van Gelder Studio on January 2 to recordDrives, a showcase of the organists unparalleled sense of adventure and indomitable groove. With a sturdy 5-piece band featuringDave Hubbardon tenor saxophone,Ronnie Cuberon baritone saxophone,Larry McGeeon guitar, andJoe Dukeson drums, Smith delivers a dynamic program including funky takes on recent hits like Edwin Starrs Twenty-Five Miles and Blood, Sweat & Tears Spinning Wheel, as well as a fleet version of Miles Davis Seven Steps to Heaven full of twists and turns.

This Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition is stereo, all-analog, mastered byKevin Grayfrom the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.

Tracklist:

A1: Twenty-Five Miles
A2: Spinning Wheel
A3: Seven Steps To Heaven

B1: Psychedelic Pi
B2: Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?