Johnny "Hammond" Smith – Soul Talk (1969)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Johnny "Hammond" Smith – Soul Talk (Prestige PR 7681)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prestige records 1969 ‎– PR 7681

 

 description:

Released in 1969 on Prestige Records, Soul Talk is a superb soul-jazz 
album led by Hammond organist Johnny “Hammond” Smith. Recorded 
at the legendary Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, 
the album captures the warm, bluesy sound of late-1960s jazz, combining 
swinging rhythms, expressive organ playing, 
soulful saxophone and tight instrumental interplay.

Smith is joined by saxophonist Rusty Bryant, guitarist Wally Richardson, 
bassist Bob Bushnell and drummer Bernard Purdie. Together, the musicians
 create an infectious groove that moves between funky organ jazz, 
blues-inflected improvisation and a soulful interpretation of 
Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s classic song “This Guy’s in Love with You.”

The title track, “Soul Talk,” is a highlight, showcasing Smith’s distinctive Hammond
 organ sound and the group’s relaxed but driving rhythm section. Other selections,
 including “All Soul,” “Up to Date” and “Purty Dirty,” demonstrate the band’s ability
 to balance hard-swinging grooves with melodic sophistication.

Produced by Bob Porter and recorded by Rudy Van Gelder, Soul Talk remains an 
appealing example of the Prestige label’s late-1960s soul-jazz catalogue. It is 
an essential listening choice for fans of Hammond organ jazz, 
funky grooves and classic American jazz vinyl.

Line-up and musicians

- Johnny “Hammond” Smith — Hammond organ
- Rusty Bryant — alto saxophone, tenor saxophone and Varitone
- Wally Richardson — guitar
- Bob Bushnell — Fender electric bass
- Bernard “Pretty” Purdie — drums

Recording date    May 19, 1969
Recording studio    Van Gelder Studio
Location    Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, USA
Producer    Bob Porter
Recording engineer    Rudy Van Gelder

tracklist:

A1    Soul Talk
Written-By – Johnny "Hammond" Smith    
A2    All Soul
Written-By – Curtis Lewis     
B1    Up To Date
Written-By – Johnny "Hammond" Smith    
B2    Purty Dirty
Written-By – Wally Richardson    
B3    This Guy's In Love With You
Written-By – Bacharach/David

 

 

 

Link available upon request