A split LP – with one classic album, and a great organ date too! First up is all the material from Smokin At The Half Note, including some (then) unreleased tracks. The set is one of the greatest 60s recordings from the Wyton Kelly Trio – thanks to some wonderful guest work from guitarist
Wes Montgomery!
Montgomery's working here in a gusty, rootsy style that recalls his best soul jazz sides from the earlier years – and which have a feel that's quite different than his later, more largely-arranged work for Verve. The Kelly Trio is in perfect form – with Wynton's heavy left hand leading the group on the piano, and superb rhythm backing from the team of Paul Chambers and
Jimmy Cobb. Tracks are longish, with some nice solos – and include the 13 minute original "No Blues", plus "If You Could See Me Now", "Unit 7", "Four On Six", "Impressions", "Misty", and "What's New". Side 4 of the package features two cookers recorded with
Jimmy Smith on Hammond – "Mellow Mood" and "James &
Wes".
(Vinyl plays with a short click on "James & Wes", but the rest is great.)