Reviews (page 8 of 13)
A fine album, I've not quite tapped into the part of my brain that can truly appreciate jazz yet so for me this just feels like an album I'd put on in the background while cooking or playing board games with people. Not sure that I particularly got anything out of the album but it was a nice detour from my usual listening. Loved the organ and sax most of all.
I still don't have an ear for jazz, so this was just fine but didn't stand out.
Jazz. Not all that distinctive to me, but good.
Nice and jazzy would be good for reading or out loud work music
no favorite 6/10
Back at the Chicken Shack is an upbeat, fun, easy listen. It's the kind of warm, swinging music you could play over the stadium speakers during a rain delay and instantly pick up the mood. Even when the saxophone takes its moment in the sun, the organ is always there underneath, filling the space and biding its time until it resurfaces to reclaim its rightful place as the star. Jimmy Smith’s playing is dazzling and soulful, and the bass and drums keep everything moving subtly and steadily, making the whole album feel relaxed, confident and alive.
Idk
It’s lovely as background music, the instruments are beautiful. Jazz in general isn’t something I really listen to, but I can still imagine myself going back to these tracks especially while doing work, cleaning or with friends over.
No es mucho mi estilo pero bueno.
Decent jazz record. First time listening to jazz with organ, but other than that it wasn't too special. The album cover goes nuts though.
Nice and mellow. Not super remarkable
Really nice, Really calming. I feel like I could listen to this while relaxing or studying or going on a walk.
Previously unknown.
Good jams for milling about your tool shed to avoid the ol’ ball n’ chain
The kind of music playing in Schroeder's head as Charlie Brown rants about some shit in the background
ok...
A pesar de que no soy fanatica del jazz, creo que es un mini album bastante bueno en general, aunque siento que no sale mucho de la regla, me hubiera gustado que hubiera sonidos más únicos
Why did the jazz chicken cross the road? To get to the B side*. Quite liked this, although jazz remains not my bag, man. Had a bit more funk, a bit more of a forward lean than a lot of other jazz I've heard. *Joke development still in progress.
Pretty quickly blended into the background for me but still some good stuff. RYM: N Saved a song: N
Took awhile to get good
Ok - perfectly decent listen, just didn’t really grab me, certainly not “incredible” from my perspective - not quite get why it is seen as as a standout album
Meh, good background music to a day of working around the house. Nothing jumped out as amazing but nothing was bad.
I like Jimmy Smith! He's incredible. I have a few of his albums on vinyl. This one is alot more chill than some of his others. I like his more upbeat energetic stuff better.
spoko backgroud music
A good jazz record by all accounts, it could've been really great if not for the relentless use of the organ
Not a massive jazz fan. Mind you, I say that but then I listen to some jazz and go, "That's a bit good, init?" Maybe because shit jazz is just really soooooo shit, it ruins the rest of the stuff that ain't bad. Anyway, I digress. This isn't shit jazz and I may listen to it again should the mood take me.
Mellow
Wasn't sure what to expect with this and not really a big jazz fan. But this was fun to listen to, good melodies and tunes. Don't want to damn it with faint praise but good background music that was wasy on the ears. Recommended and probably 3 out of 5 for me.
The Chicken Shack is a little old place where we can get together
Enjoyed the vibes and music but wasn’t necessarily up my alley. I can appreciate the admiration of the artist and the commitment to giving us long tunes.
Very easy listening and enjoyable! Great background music.
Really great album to sit and work or a fancy dinner party. Definitely put it on my playlist
Liked it.
This is an honest jazz album and the sound of the hammond is always amazing, but I didn't find spectacular: until the last minute, I was hoping the songs of chickens would suddenly pop up...
This could be some really great background music for a nice dinner party. I’ll have to remember this one. I wouldn’t listen to it otherwise.
nice background music
This is a beautiful jazz album! I enjoyed it and would make a concerted effort to listen to it again (probably as background noise or paired with some stretching or journaling)
it's good, i just don't listen to this kind of music often
70
The quintessential album (for me at least) that belongs on this list. Getting exposed to something that is a ginormous blind spot for me and getting to enjoy and appreciate it.
This album was played a lot as background music in a former workplace of mine. It's a fine album, but after a couple of listens, has nothing new to reveal.
so jazz album. chillige jazz. ned crazy jazz, han keis gspeichert aber chönnt mer weder lose
The songs are long but make for decent background music
Hauskaa urkujatsia, James Taylor Quartet jatkoi aikanaan tyyliä
#213/1001. According to Whosampled.com, there are 134 songs which have sampled Jimmy Smith, but none come from this album. Perhaps DJs, hip-hop producers and electronic music artists know better since while all this sounds good it doesn't sound like something that I must listen to before I die.
Like a glass of water, refreshing but difficult to distinguish.
Ooh interesting, I've never listened to organ jazz
Great music to chill out to.
First track was awesome. Not a huge Jazz fan but liked this. A mix of blues and Jazz. Prior to listening, I assumed this was going to be a reggae album.
3.5 stars. Dinner making music. If I made dinner.
I enjoyed my time at the chicken shack
Mit Zigarre und Rotwii innere Lounge und als Hintergrundmusik chöntis mer no vorstelle. Bim Freiwillige Musikkonsum denn ned so es highlight wo mun wiitergfüehrt werde. 3 Cappuccino mit Hafermilch gern
was ein schöner albumtitel. Ich gsehne es geile chicken shuppe irgendwo i de strasse vo new york, and de jimmy. He back there. isch na gmüetlich aber fehlt em biz de wow effekt. Eifach es klassischs jazzy album wo zum glück (wie villi anderi) nöd überlade isch sonder grad richtigi ahzahl vo instrumentals drinne hed. 3 oder 4 Geflügel?
Fun record. Feels kind of like a lighter, easier-to-listen kind of Jazz. Favourite Track(s): Minor Chant, The Sunny Side Of The Street Least Favourite Track(s): Back At The Chicken Shack
Ok
I appreciate the fun organ twist on a jazz/blues album. Not for me but it wasn’t bad
Not a big jazz fan but excellent for background music.
This one started out questionable for me, but I was in to it by the time “Minor Chant” kicked in. A fun, laid back Jazz Album with heavy organ and some recognizable tunes. Not mind blowing, but a good, nighttime driving ‘n smoking record for sure.
Yea it was chill jazz
This is fine the guitar on messy bessie is fucking awesome, starting at around 4min it got me They got me... I liked the second half
6.8/10 not a fan of the organ sound
Some very groovy grooves, most obviously on the title track, but perhaps drifts a little on the second side. Not his best record, but not bad either.
Very chill, jazzy, i like
Technically great, but simply not for me.
Ok
Very easy to listen to. A bit too much organ for my taste but it's nice to have on in the background while you're busy with other things.
A little repetitive but overall very nice to listen to.
Interesting sound, but I need to give it a couple of more listens before I feel like I can really comment on it.
I like jazz. Do I like organ jazz? Less so. However this was a nice surprise.
I’m super down to come back to the chicken shack.
Pleasant but didn't make an impression
Fairly good jazz stuff here, not the most memorable thing ever but good nonetheless
Sounds like something that would play at a swanky dinner on the upper east side. Liza Minnelli background vibes (not in a bad way). Feels sophisticated if that makes sense.
It's jazz....
It's jazz.
Nice smooth jazz, not at all what I expected from the album title.
Based on the title and album cover I was expecting some Southern hill-billy nonsense but this was actually pretty chill. Favorite track: Back At The Chicken Shack
Älskar Hammondorgel! Men händer lite för lite som helhet för att det ska nå riktiga höjder. Hårt mot ett album från 1963? Kanske.
Uh this was ok no further thoughts and not good enough to try again
instrumental organ stuff! not bad background music
Do you ever wonder if you even like music? I think what I like is songs i.e Words. A lot of instrumental music does little or nothing for me. Jimmy Smith was obviously hugely um….instrumental in popularizing the organ as a jazz instrument, thereby creating a sort of jazz/soul crossover that presaged the whole acid jazz thing, but we can hardly hold that against him. This album works best for me when it’s at its, and I can only apologize for this, funkiest, which is to say the two tracks he wrote. It is inescapably cool, it’s the sort of album I’d like to be caught listening to more than I’d actually like to listen to it.
Mostly meh jazz I liked the penultimate song but it went on too long in spite of that
Groovy but bland
Ok but not my thing
A stripped down and simple lil jazz album with only a few instruments at work. Jimmy feels like he’s able to do a lot with a little. Some of the instrumentals can get a little and respective at the end of the tracks. Best song is the outro bonus track
Nothing really special here but also nothing bad. Cool.
coole msuik und angenehm zum angören aber rutscht auch schnell in hintergrund bei mir
Incrível, algo bem diferente do que costumo ouvir. Gostei bastante, vou buscar mais músicas com somente o instrumental.
Nice jazz album. The opening song Back and the Chicken Shack is quite goofy for some reason, but as a whole it’s a nice album.
3/5
I always find reviewing jazz albums difficult. Because it’s all about where you listen to it. In the car as a focused listen. I don’t particularly enjoy it. But playing on a vinyl in a bar somewhere, this would be great. So I think I like the idea of jazz more than the music.
Very chill jazzy mix with nice vibes.
...
Inget som överraskade mig, men fin fredagslyssning ändå! +1 för fint omslag
Bjäring första låt. Den här Dinon har svårt för klassisk bluesform (undantag när det inte är live). Resten är CDB.
Okej det händer inte så mycket nej. Och det är svårt att skilja den ena låten från den andra. Men är det inte så en sån här skiva ska vara? Något man sätter på och är i i fyrtio minuter. Kanske knackar en deklaration. Eller megar en. Eller gör sig en sur macka. Mår lite. Så soft.
Alexa, play instrumental jazz music.
organ bruh, decent but not quite funky enough
This is a good album with great musicians. Excellent for background music. I could see listening to this a couple of times a year. 3.4 overall score
Terrific soul jazz. I wish the songs themselves were a bit more interesting and offered a better showcase for the musicians. That being said, their playing around the standard blues structures is exceptional, and they succeed in creating an amazing vibe. I found the album smooth and engaging, a relaxing listen. I would not call this a challenging or interesting listen, per se, but really enjoyable.
jimmy smiths got to talk to his producer, because i think he accidentally switched his album cover for a country one. i still like it thought, just not what i was expecting
Ok
Not gonna lie: the Hammond B-3 organ is one of my least favorite instruments; it always sounds dated to me, regardless of who is at the helm. Jimmy Smith certainly knows what he's doing, but aside from the moments where saxophonist Stanley Turrentine busts out a solo, the rest of this record is just a little too dusty-sounding.
It’s fine. Solid. His sax playing is excellent no doubt. Some cool guitar work. Just not much else to the songs in my opinion. That said, given how long ago this was made, it holds up well.
6/10 Favourite: Back at the Chicken Shack Least Favourite: None
I am always happy to add a new album to my Jazzy Dinner Party playlist. Back At The Chicken Shack fits the bill.
Pretty chill album, would be good background music at a house party. It all starts to sound the same at a certain point though.
Pas mauvais, mais j’aime mon jazz beaucoup plus aventureux que ça. C’est un album qui est très sage.
I like the looser production of this album, though that's likely a product of its time. Unfortunately, despite a few fun moments, it's mostly background music. Minor Chant is a standout. Nothing unpleasant, and it sounds like it was fun for the performers. 3/5.
Very sweet session of jazz by a talented group of musicians. Love Smith' organ. Would bea nice background LP to have for hosting guests.
Wish I had better vocabulary about describing jazz but I like this just fine. Bluesy instrumental jazz with organs and guitar and saxophones. It's nice as background music, I'm not sure if I'll revisit it but I'm enjoying the ride.
Organ trio origins. Brings me back!
I was doing a 60s project where I would go through all singles released in the decade (crazy I know), and my eyes just glazed over when Jimmy Smith albums and songs came up. The instrumental sax doesn't really do it for me.
This was a lot of fun to listen to. 6, 7, 8 minute long songs with great grooves and head bopping, toe tapping beats.
This was pleasant to listen to, but I'm not well-versed in jazz so I can't really comment on whether this is a 'great album'!
Enjoyable. Early 60s jazz bebop?
Was more excited by the description than the music, which has a decent enough groove. Led to a weird playlist of cool jazz and precursors to smooth jazz.
Feels like one of those vinyl records you play on a Saturday morning while lounging around your pad because it fills the space but doesn’t demand a whole lot from you. Listened to it a couple times today and I’m not convinced this rewards dedicated listening.
3
Good album but all Jimmy’s albums are good The Cat and Peter and the Wolf excite me more
If I was listening to this live in a dimly lit lounge drinking a Manhattan and wearing a cardigan sweater, it would probably be a 4.
Let me start by stating that Jimmy Smith was a prolific musician who helped link the styles of jazz and 1960s soul music, with his improvisational work on the Hammond proving influential on jazz organists since. To be fair, his work does shine in moments across Back at the Chicken Shack opposite tenor saxophonist Stanley Turrentine as the two traded some decent hooks and melodies. Occasionally, there is even some decent guitar noodling from Kenny Burrell. But, throughout the listen, whenever Jimmy took a back seat in favor of Stanley, the organ sounded weirdly muted as he had to make up for the lack of any bass. The rhythm section here is largely drummer Donald Bailey, who played fine, but not enough to create a solid foundation for this record on his own. I'm reminded of the Green Onions album from Booker T. & the M.G.'s, which I got earlier in my album journey. Both albums are decent, low-key, Hammond organ-led instrumental records, consisting of a few original compositions mixed with covers, and barely clocking in at over half an hour. At best, I see them both as neat novelties, but not anything profound or transcendental. Again, I hear the pedigree with Jimmy and Stanley's work here, but I can't imagine myself coming back to this record often.
Definitely jazz. A bit like listening to an Austin Powers film. I have no idea if this is good jazz but i quite enjoyed it.
Nice soulful jazzy groove, but nothing special
Really good. 3.5
Didn't absolutely hate, but didn't love either.
Every song was the same. Which isn't even a bad jazz song. The drummer had to be so bored until 25 minutes in when he gets a little bit of time to shine. I bet he goes to sleep in excitement for those few minutes when they have a show the next day. Also was hoping the band Jimmie's Chicken Shack was named after this album but they're instead named after an infamous jazz restaurant, not band. That's about all I've got here.
This jazz album is given extra soul courtesy of Jimmy's hammond organ which adds that extra dimension. Makes for an easy listening record on a Sunday afternoon. Not one I had heard before but quite enjoyable with some great playing.
I like the jazzy, loungey vibe the album has. Though it's something I have to be in a specific setting to listen to it. Quite pleasant tho. 3/5🎉
Easy listening. 6/10
Det er bra jeg liker electric organ og rah-tuh-tuh rah-tuh-tuh på cymbalen, for ellers hadde dette vært en ganske dull affære. Det er fortsatt litt kjedelig, men kjedelig på en behagelig måte.
Får lyst til å lage en video om hvordan man baker en kake. Det var chill, men særlig spennende var det ikke.
pretty jazzy
Alright jazz/lounge.
Alright, jazz. Felt like I recognised 1st track
No muy interesante, creo que pretende ser algo soft y servir más como acompañante que como protagonista
I didn’t listen okay I didn’t listen
Album 25/1001 Nicely soundtracked a very autumnal October day. 🍂 🍂 🍂
This is clearly a great record, and I can see why it’s highly regarded. But since I’m not really into jazz, it just doesn’t move me much, even though I can appreciate its quality.
More good jazz that I don't have a lot to say about. There's plenty of great sax and Hammond organ here. And it isn't especially difficult, this is pretty agreeable music. Like I said, it's good, but not quite to my particular taste in jazz, and I don't know enough about the era to say if I agree that this is essential or not: however, I enjoyed it.
One more hater here, for the five-star system. Because this record is better than a 3, but it sure isn't a 4. Wish I could throw it that 7 out of 10. Or better yet, the 7.1 / 10 it deserves.
This was such a smooth, easy to listen to album! Jazz is often not my thing (as anyone who knows me or who reads my reviews would now have thoroughly drilled into their heads), but some funky organ sure does up the enjoyment for me! It's just so easy to get lost in this type of jazz! Very pleased with this new-to-me discovery!
Its ok for background music
Zuhause, Heidenheim, Deutschland. 45min. sind ein bisschen zu lang.
Kindof a fun jazz organ album.
A decently fine album. Nothing necessarily wrong with it, just nice background music with a fun groove. Not an album I'd listen to again, but was pleasant enough while it lasted.
Pretty decent background music
Kann man nicht viel zu sagen angenehme background Musik etwas zu ähnlich in den ersten beiden Songs Special mention: Back at the Chicken shack Best song: On the sunny side of the street Rating: 3,5/5 Relativ nicer Jazz, wird leider nur nach ein paar songs repetitive, durch die immer gleich instrumentation. Allerdings sehr geil um guten Jazz im Hintergrund laufen zu haben. 3,6/5
Najs, men inte mer
Svängigt men intetsägande
I can tell that a lot of core underlying jazz melodies are based from this. That said, I can’t say I enjoyed it enough to want to listen to again.
Not a jazz fan but this was a great start of my Sunday morning. He makes it sounds easy…
It’s just good Nice for what it is
I could be convinced that it was all one 44 minute track. Never bad, never so intriguing that I felt the need to listen all too closely. In fairness, however, this kinda Jazz isn’t really my thing.
I'm not a fan of jazz. This is probably one of the best examples of acceptable jazz. The bluesy kind that isn't too far up it's own arse. Great to have on in the background. I love this man's dogs and chickens. And his jaunty hat. See u at the chicken shack brotha. 3/5
Groovy and obviously cool organ playing but there's nothing really exceptional here
3,5
Just a chill album really.
Good album. I’m not much of a jazz fan. Doesn’t appeal to me but I appreciate that it’s a good album
2.8 - Schönes Hörerlebnis ohne Highlights und manchen schrägen Momenten
Was awesome to discover the first organ player in jazz. Nice chill vibe.
I liked this album. Incredible organ playing. I thought it was a bit more bluesy maybe than straight jazz. I liked that a lot.
Pleasant hammond organ based jazz. Grooves nicely at times and with nice sax, drums and guitar too. But all in all a bit too smooth for me.
I like it. I'm not jazz connoisseur but it was pretty chill and catchy. It makes me think of the Sandlot and that kind of old suburban neighbourhood summer vibe from the 50s/60s. Probably not something I'd listen to frequently or add to my playlists but it is appreciated. 3
This was very pleasant, chill music, from before I was even born. I found nothing to dislike about it, but it didn't feel like something I would ever listen to again. Three stars seems about right.
I'm not a jazz guy. So I feel like I can't really pan this album, because it's jazz. But also, I don't love it . . . because it's jazz. In all, this is a pleasant-sounding album. I'm glad to be aware of its existence. I'll definitely keep it in my quiver.
I enjoyed this. Did I need to hear it? Only if I hadn't heard any other Blue Note records from the 1960s. They have a sound. Maybe Jimmy Smith started that sound. I don’t know. But, it's a good listen.
3/5 - I needed to hear this so I'd know how to get back to the chicken shack in case I want to visit again. I'm never going to have anything technical to say about listenable jazz like this, but I like this era of music, even if it doesn't really stick with me.
I will come back to the chicken shack.
Kedvenc/Favourite: Minor Chant M: Jó volt a hangulata, de őszintén nem az én stílusom. Kicsit monoton volt nekem, nem tudott lekötni igazán. A: It had a great vibe, but honestly it's not my style. It was a bit monotone for me and couldn't really keep me interested.
Amazing organ playing
5/10 Jazzy 9-12-2025
3/5
Mellow
I'm not really a jazz fan so it's hard to rate it and I don't have much to compare it to. It sounds nice but doesn't do much for me beyond being good background music. I don't see anything that makes it remarkable or distinct from other jazz I've heard before, other than having lots of organ, but that's probably more my fault than the album's. It's not really meant for me (not into jazz) and I don't really get it, but this certainly not bad. 3 stars.
Music is amazing, enjoyed it
Impressive skills but didn't find this too exciting. Faded into the background. 3
As far as Jazz goes, this was certainly at least listenable in the sense that there was a direction and multiple journeys that you could sense were started and then brought to a destination, unlike some other Jazz that has already come up in which it was so Chaotic, it made me question whether any actual planning went into it. With that being said, this type of Jazz, certainly isn't my biggest cup of tea especially with no vocal backing and just instrumentals, so this will receive a 2.5/5 and be bumped to a 3, as it just didn't really do much either way.
I like this kind of Jazz. "Soul-Jazz". Some of the avant-grade stuff can be unapproachable and hard to enjoy in you aren't a Jazz player/musician. 3/5.
As far as jazz albums go, it's certainly not bad. Problem for me is I've never like the sound of the Hammond B3. Always think I should be watching a Zamboni smoothing out a patch of ice. So, Jimmy Smith is admittedly a legend, but for me this is not one I'd go back to.
Oh yeah ... that is cool man ... really cool!
Readily auricularly this is a cool jazz record. Among a vast cohort of cool jazz records, Chicken Shack is unremarkable, as in it's infectious and seething with soul, but it doesn't stand out. If there's one thing on my mind though, I tend to get annoyed with fidgety, squirrely saxophone players who are fixated on the realm of rambling, squawking 32nd note scales. This record would be much cooler with only the steady and subdued rhythm section and the tastefully chill guitar and organ flourishes, and some kind of David Lynch scene would find itself welcome to play out in my imagination.
It's jazz, so I'm just meh. Dig the organ sound
Man all I lwant is some freshly cooked chicken and jazz.
Nice chilled background sounds but not much variation. Great in the right moment though
6/10
I like this album, except there is only so much sax and organ I can listen to before I get itchy.
A very classy chicken shack.
This is one of those albums you put on as a baseball field grounds crewman before the game. You're out there spraying the dirt, chalking the lines, lining up the bases. Its a perfect summer day for baseball and all you have to worry about is how long the game is going to be because you're suppose to meet the boys for a cold one after.
I enjoyed it, especially the first track, but 60s jazz is something I only listen to when in a certain mood -- and I wasn't in that mood today.
Any album that features an organ scores points with me. Did it sound like one 43 minute song, yes. Did I like it, also yes.
Great Blues album mixed with some jazz influence.
Comfort.
It was enjoyable background music. Not anything I would go out of my way to put on again.
I thought this was fine but I was expecting more from the album cover
relaxed and jazzy! enjoyable listen but not lighting my soul on fire
Very enjoyable but slightly aimless. That and the length of the songs is what keeps this at a 3 but it sure is a rock solid 3
Meh…..
Pleasant to listen to in the background. Feels too dated for me.
Great but I'm not so keen on that style, I'm sure many others are though :) thx !
funky and cool and lodges in brain
Good jazz !!
Solid groovy jazz.
i mean it’s too jazzy for me a bit
Jazz is cool. 3.5
Im just glad there were no words. Was a smooth play from start to finish. I’m still not understanding jazz as a whole genre. Maybe it will click for me at some point on this list.
I would cut these songs down to 4 mins. Besides of that, it’s enjoyable
Vibes
I generally don’t get way into jazz/blues, makes for nice background music and I recognize the talent here, but just not my jam.
I think it takes me some effort to listen to jazz, or like, sometimes not have it fade into the background. I liked Minor Chant a lot but I wonder if that's because it finally registered midway through the album.
Let me tell you today about the phenomenon known as the Clustering illusion. According to Wikipedia, “The clustering illusion is the tendency to erroneously consider the inevitable "streaks" or "clusters" arising in small samples from random distributions to be non-random.” That being said, I swear to God I have rolled every Jazz album on the website over the last couple of weeks. My continuous review for all of them has, and will continue to be, “Yeah, it’s alright.” The same can be said about this album. It’s Jazz. If it sounds good, it’s more of the same. If it sounds bad, it’s almost unlistenable. This is pretty good. My favorite song is the titular “ Back At The Chicken Shack”. Can’t wait to roll more Jazz tomorrow.
I am a jazz fan, but this didn’t quite get me there. I am not a huge fan of the Hammond B-3 organ sound. But it wasn’t bad by any means.
An unexpected joy!
6/10
Nice chill jazz, enjoyed the morning listen
Nice as background music.
3.5 Enjoyable
1963 Jazz baby... The Hammond organ gets a proper workout. I like jazz, so this is fine, if a bit 'lounge' in places. Heard before ❌️ Listened this time ✅️ Revisit ❌️ Loungy★★★☆☆
26/1001 Jimmy Smith - Back At Tgd Chicken Shack Heard before? ❎ Revisit? 🫳 Overall, I enjoyed this. It leans more into that bluesy jazz and reminded me of in parts Booker T's Green Onions. It's a bit on the chilled side, so kinda blends into the background.
Instrumental, vivant, j’aime bien l’ajout de l’orgue à la formation jazz
Sick, solid background music for chill household tasks, love Hammond B3
It was ok, I quite enjoyed it. Never heard of the artist before
Jazzy.
Very well performed background music. Jazzy, but ultimately nothing exciting.
Jazz with an organ and killer saxophone solos. Amazing, but maybe a tad repetitive. Maybe because I'm not the most seasoned jazz listener. Would probably go up with more listens. An enjoyable album.
Hammond organ jazz. I liked this album. Want to add to my jazz playlist.
Hmm, I thought I'd love this (I love the title, for a start), but it didn't really grab me. 3.5 stars.
Good music to work to.
This organ adds something to jazz... still not something for a whole album for me
bluesy jazz that I just could get to stick long enough.
I'm happy to hear this as a historical piece - Jimmy Smith apparently popularized the Hammond B3 organ, which eventually becomes a big part of later funk, hard rock, and even progressive rock. But musically, it's kind of basic and dated. Can't really distinguish it from music you'd hear in the background during a reception. Probably not fair given it was supposedly groundbreaking, but that's how I hear it today. Textbook 3 for me - had no problem hearing it, don't need to hear it again.
Opening an album and seeing only 4 songs on it always makes me hesitant. It’s either going to be some bizarre prog, or jazz. Both are fairly hit or miss for me, dependent entirely on the level of zaniness. Thankfully, this wasn’t anywhere as weird as a lot of other jazz albums I’ve heard. It still isn’t something I’d go seeking out, but as something to have on in the background while working, it was a perfectly adequate soundtrack. There’s not really anything to rave about here, it’s decent jazz.
Barely just misses the mark for me. It's good, but its missing a key factor that makes other jazz albums more memorable to me.
Smith's Hammond organ leads the way on this album with just four tracks covering a little more than 40 minutes on this album. Historic Blue Note records and the ensemble cast of Stanley Turrentine, Kenny Burrell, and Donald Bailey partnered to produce this solid jazz/blues/soul sound.
Enjoyed this more than the previous jazz albums I've had on here
didn’t feel the message and emotions from the sax and a bit repetitive
Pleasant as fuck.
C't'ok.
Fav: Back At The Chicken Shack Least Fav: Minor Chant Some nice easy-listening jazz, but outside of the title track I didn’t care for it much
Fine, but nothing more than that.
My reading tells me Smith popularised the Hammond Organ at a crucial point in music history, which would eventually lead into its use in my beloved Progressive Rock of the 1970s. This earns my respect and appreciation even before getting deep into the album. The format is slightly outside of what I typically look for in music and ends up more on the 'easy listening' end of the spectrum for me. Objectively great instrumental work and a transportative vibe to its era bring a lot of enjoyment for me. Nonetheless, I find my attention drifting from it, which is generally my response to a lot of jazz, hence I cannot specifically fault this album for it. No complaints whatsoever, but I can't see this album sticking with me for long.
Would visit the chicken shack again
Nice and relaxing, probably wouldn't listen to it again though. Highlights: Back At The Chicken Shop
I wouldn’t listen again, but nice and easy to listen to Fav songs: Back at the Chicken Shack, When I Grow Too Old to Dream
Some very good jazz… but I might need more context on why it should be on this list
hotel lobby music
Organ instrumentals similar to Booker T, but leans much more into jazz as opposed to rock. I can see why this was influential on soul music. It’s odd that the sax layer isn’t also billed as an artist considering how much he dominates the album.
Great title song.
This one’s got a cool vibe. I like it, but I’m not blown away. It’s solidly in that laid-back, late-night groove territory where everything just sort of coasts along – good company, good drinks, and nothing too demanding on your attention. Jimmy Smith’s organ tone is as smooth and smoky as ever, and there’s a real ease to the playing here. I appreciate that kind of looseness – it doesn’t feel like it’s trying to dazzle you, just settle into a nice swing and vibe out. I think the title track is easily the standout. That slow, bluesy stroll it takes feels like something that would be playing in a dimly lit bar around midnight. It’s warm, slightly cheeky, and has a great sense of space. The rest of the album, though, doesn’t quite rise to that same level for me. Everyone’s clearly great at what they’re doing – you’ve got Kenny Burrell on guitar and Stanley Turrentine on sax, and their parts are tasty – but it all just feels a bit... samey after a while. The grooves are nice, but they don’t really build to anything or surprise me. It’s a pleasant listen, but I did find myself drifting off a bit.
Very nice background instrumental jazz. I love to work to this type of music. 3/5
I tend to recoil from that Hammond organ sound as it just reminds me of bad 70s quiz shows. This is a shame as it was probably the height of music tech when this was recorded, but for me the album takes off when the sax kicks in. Nice to listen to though.
Off the cuff remark: someting quite uplifting about this in quite a surprising way. Perhaps it's the (Hammond?) which also seems cheesey, but somehow that doesn't matter. Standout track: When I Grow Too Old To Dream Revisit?: in all honesty probably not, but I would be happy to.
6'5/10
Llevo demasiados artistas de jazz seguidos y termino de apreciarlo mucho 😅 Le doy un 6/10 en ma escala wow
I couldnt properly give my attention to the album today but it was nice. Needs a revisit
not normally into jazz but i thought this album had some cool beats and some cool melodies throughout. songs were a bit long for me but overall enjoyed it more than i thought i would
Funny that the album immediately after the Willie Nelson cover album ALSO has a cover of "On The Sunny Side Of The Street" which I liked AGAIN. The organ playing was fine. I think stadiums have just ruined organs for me lol. My complaint with almost all jazz albums is true again here....get to the point. These songs are too long. The music is good and the sax player was AWESOME, but this tended to get old. The content was solid. I just would rather more and shorter songs. Liked Songs: "Minor Chant" , "Messy Bessie" , "On The Sunny Side Of The Street"
ya like jazz? 3
Not the most exciting jazz I've ever heard. Nice and chill. Trumpet player is good. Sort of flat to me though. Good background music for a coffee shop or something.
Very snooth jazz. I like it, as background music.
It was ok
Quality background music
90年代カフェバル感
Nice, bluesy jazz album. Nothing jumped out as spectacular here, but it was enjoyable background music. I was curious why it was included on the list so I read the entry in the 1001 album book. Apparently, this album was crucial in making the organ sound cool again after mostly being thought of as church music. I hear the organ in so much rock, blues and jazz that it's hard to imagine a time when it wasn't popular, but seems like important context here.
Solid blues oriented jazz workouts by a terrific set of musicians.
Fun jazz album. Liked the spotlighting of the organ in the arrangements. Easy background music for work. Maybe I’m not familiar enough with jazz because it all sounded a bit the same as other things I’d heard.
Nothing wrong with it but also nothing special for me. Fine background music in a bar or so but just another jazz album that cannot thrill me.
I agree that this is the sax dude's show. I hear music like this and smell books and coffee, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. (And for the definitive version of When I Grow Too Old To Dream, see The Muppet Show episode 523, with Linda Ronstadt)
• 3/5 • Enjoyable but not remarkable. Not sure why it made the list, unless it’s because of a breakthrough in Hammond organ jazz.
Smooth, buttery jazz. It's good background lounge music, that's for sure.
This sounds like the kind of jazz that was played by the serious students back at the academy, looking down at us pop/ rock plebs, chasing us off the stage at the jams and never giving it back for the rest of the evening. Fuck you Ernst, you antisocial pretentious dickwad. But traumatic associations aside, it is perfectly fine instrumental jazz blues.
The organ and saxes go crazy on this funky vibing ride.
Wasn’t expecting this based on the title. Live the atmosphere and texture.
Some good, funky jazz but the same dominates every cut. I wish it were more balanced because the keyboard and drums deserve some love. Good background music for chilling on a cold wintery evening.
This that shit
I don’t listen to enough jazz to know what I’m listening to. Sounded great though. Rich dinner party music
Favorites: Back At The Chicken Shack, When I Grow Too Old To Dream While I wouldn't say this is bad, it certainly isn't memorable for me to really say this is one of my favorite jazz projects of all time. It lacks that oomf that something like Green Onions does, and while the title track is great, the rest of the record is just okay for me.
Jazz, but easy to listen to. Didn't strike a chord with me but didn't dislike it. It was fine.
Mmmmm .. Chicken
I quite enjoyed this in a harmless enough way but a) why on earth is it in this list, and b) how did he decide on his song titles?!
Nice background, and probably a great album, but I am too much of a philistine to understand.
Good, but felt a bit "background music".
Very solid. Pretty cool. Definitely a master of the genre. These early albums always sound pretty straightforward but there is beauty in their simplicity. It's not actually simple at all but it sounds effortless.
Smooth jazz. 3/5
Good music but not my taste
Don’t really like jazz where the edges have been sandpapered off. Pleasant enough though.
I enjoyed this, isn't the most incredible thing but a solid work. Particular fan of the standard 'sunny side' so that was good to hear how he can do it his way.
Groovy, funky jazz! This one has a similar feel to Green Onions, which I really enjoyed, but the longer track lengths gives them more time to breathe and explore each track, which overall makes it feel like a much tighter and better record.
Reminds me of Booker T and The MGs - old school southern rhythm and blues goodness
I liked it. Good jazz with some interesting sections.
Another jazz album. Definetly pretty good, just not as good as other jazz stuff I've heard. Great music to just sit and relax and listen to, but probably wouldn't listen to it in any other circumstance.
An absolutely fine Jazz instrumental album. All the playing was good and I don't regret using it as background music. But if I was in a jazz club this would have got full marks. Instead it's a 3.
Default Jazz 3
Not many songs, so I can review them one by one: 1. The kind of waiting room music I want to hear 2. Nice waiting room music for the holidays, or background music for a late night NYC dinner in a tv show 3. Theme song for a drama show following a down on his luck PI. Not as good as the others 4. Mostly standard jazz 5. Jarring enough to hurt my ears, and the sax has an unpleasantly airy/breathy tone Overall, I would listen again, but wouldn’t go out of my way to do so.
Loved the energy and expression.
Funky little guy. I like.
It's not bad, but it was just background music to me. I'm not that into Jazz.
Cool music to chill to
Good listen. I haven’t listened to too much organ dominant jazz so that was new. Felt like I was at a really funky Dodger game. As cool as Jimmy Smith is, I thought Stanley Turrentine stole the show on this piece of wax. 🎷
Un álbum de jazz muy tranquilo.