Reviews (page 9 of 14)
Funky jazz background music.
you know i love that sweet sweet saxophone soundddddd…obviously i liked this a lot! it reminded me of the kind of music my dad listened to a lot when i was a kid, so listening to it was oddly nostalgic even though i’ve never heard the record before.
very lovely! i can't say it's something i'd really return to but it was really pleasant listening while i was working. i like the organ/clavinet/???? that was on a lot of songs, which definitely did make it kind of sound elevator-music-y but not in a bad way, just in a soothing way i guess.
Allez, on ouvre une nouvelle page de ce foutu carnet de bord. Qu'est-ce que le grand livre sacré des "1001 Albums" nous réserve aujourd'hui ? Ah, Jimmy Smith. "Back At The Chicken Shack". Une pochette que j'ai dû voir dans les bacs de la boutique, généralement classée dans la section "Jazz / Soul". Le genre de disque que les vrais connaisseurs, les barbus en col roulé qui sentent le tabac froid, te recommandent avec un clin d'oeil entendu en te disant : "Ça, mon petit, c'est la base." La base de quoi, au juste ? La base de la sieste, peut-être. Je dois être honnête avec vous, et surtout avec le concept de ce blog. Je ne suis pas là pour vous réciter la messe ou pour m'extasier sur commande. Je suis là pour écouter et pour dire ce que j'en pense, avec mes oreilles de disquaire à la retraite qui en ont entendu d'autres. Et pour cet album-ci, mon verdict est tombé, lapidaire : Bordel de merde, qu'est-ce que c'est chiant. Pardon, il faut que je développe. On parle quand même de Jimmy Smith, le type qui a quasiment inventé le soul jazz, le pape de l'orgue Hammond B3. Un virtuose, un pionnier. Sur le papier, tout est là. On a Stanley Turrentine au sax, Kenny Burrell à la guitare... C'est pas une équipe de pieds nickelés, on est d'accord. C'est du lourd, du solide. Le genre de casting qui te fait saliver d'avance. Tu t'attends à un truc qui suinte le blues, qui transpire la soul, qui te prend aux tripes et te fait taper du pied sans même que tu t'en rendes compte. Et à la place, t'as quoi ? De la musique d'ambiance. De la musique d'ambiance de luxe, certes, mais de la musique d'ambiance quand même. C'est le disque parfait à mettre pendant un cocktail dînatoire où tu veux avoir l'air cool et cultivé sans pour autant que la musique ne vienne perturber la conversation sur le dernier film d'auteur polonais. C'est la bande-son idéale pour un film de Tarantino, juste avant que le dialogue ne dérape et que tout le monde se flingue. C'est propre, c'est carré, c'est techniquement irréprochable. Et c'est précisément ça le problème. Il n'y a aucune putain d'aspérité. Pas un seul grain de sable dans la mécanique parfaitement huilée. Jimmy Smith déroule ses gammes avec une facilité déconcertante, Turrentine souffle dans son sax comme s'il lisait le journal, et Burrell... eh bien, Burrell fait du Burrell, c'est-à-dire que c'est impeccable et totalement dépourvu de la moindre surprise. Tout est "cool", dans le sens le plus littéral et le plus réfrigérant du terme. Le "groove" est là, mais c'est un groove de métronome, un groove qui ne décolle jamais vraiment, qui ne prend jamais le risque de déraper. C'est un groove de salon, pas un groove de "Chicken Shack". Le "Chicken Shack", le bouge à poulet frit, ça évoque la sueur, la graisse, la chaleur, un truc un peu crade et viscéral. J'ai rien entendu de tout ça. J'ai entendu des musiciens de studio ultra-compétents qui font leur job. Bien, très bien même. Mais sans l'étincelle, sans le danger. On est en 1960. Le rock'n'roll a déjà tout pété. Le blues est en train de s'électrifier de manière sale et méchante à Chicago. Et à La Nouvelle-Orléans, ça sent le soufre. Et là, on me sert un plat soigné, bien présenté, mais qui manque cruellement de piment. Je ne vais pas vous mentir, j'ai failli piquer un somme. À plusieurs reprises. Le morceau-titre, "Back At The Chicken Shack", est sympa, il installe une ambiance. Mais après ? On reste dans cette ambiance. Pendant 40 minutes. C'est une longue autoroute toute droite, bien asphaltée, sans un seul virage pour te réveiller. Alors oui, je comprends pourquoi c'est dans la liste. C'est un jalon. C'est représentatif d'un style, le soul jazz, qui a eu son heure de gloire et a influencé des tonnes de musiciens. C'est une pièce de musée. Mais est-ce que ça me procure la moindre émotion ? Est-ce que ça me donne envie de me resservir ? Absolument pas. C'est le genre de disque que je respecte, mais que je n'écouterai probablement plus jamais de ma vie, sauf si je décide d'ouvrir un bar à cocktails pour hipsters. Le projet "1001 Albums" n'est pas fait que de coups de coeur. Il est aussi fait de ça : des classiques incontournables qui te passent à dix mille pieds au-dessus de la tête. Des disques qui te font te demander si le problème vient de toi. Suis-je devenu insensible ? Mon âme de vieux disquaire est-elle devenue sourde au soul jazz ? Ou est-ce que, tout simplement, ce disque est juste... surcoté ? Je penche pour la deuxième option. C'est un disque à écouter, pour la culture. Une fois. Et après, on passe à autre chose, si possible un truc avec un peu plus de sang et de couilles. La note : 1 sur 5 pour la posterité
jazz. no vocals
Perfect background music for earl6.morning costa rica. 10/10 for the memories, not sure of its something I'd appreciate as much with active listening.
Very good. Delightful vibes. I know I had at least one album by Jimmy Smith, might have had this one in the past. Or maybe checked it out from the library.
Decent, smooth jazz. Not smooth like Kenny G, more like Booker T. Not bad but not my favorite kind of jazz.
This was great. I think the organ tone sold me on it. One I’ll definitely pick up if I see the vinyl for sale.
An enjoyable listen for a Monday afternoon.
Jazz is normally not a favorite of mine, but I enjoyed this! 4/5
The chicken shack is far too small to contain such music that feels big. Jimmy Smith, alongside Stanley Turrentine, Kenny Burrell and Donald Bailey, gives us around forty minutes of pure soulful jazz; the kind that would be suitable for walks outdoors basking in the warm Autumn air. Why would one go back to the claustrophobic shack after experiencing music quite like this? I will never know.
Really odd deep cut to put on this list. It's cool, but probably not even worthy of 1001 blues/jazz albums to listen to...
Beautiful jazz
Intellectual dinner party music
The type of using you play around people who don't notice music. I was bored for most of this album. Sometimes I was angry because it reminded me of the Grateful Dead. I don't like to be reminded of them. His dog looks friendly, wonder what happened to the chickens?
Immaculate album, genuinely one of the better jazz albums I've heard. Solid 4/5.
I enjoyed this album. It's soft and cozy.
Easy listening but didn't blow me away.
I wish I liked jazz, but it’s just so repetitive and boring.
Wonderful jazz. Great instrumentals
Music that made me feel like I was overhearing the soundtrack to the movie of whatever activity I was doing (driving my 25 minute commute, is what I was doing). Enough horns and variations to perk me up from time to time but otherwise pretty tame, innocuous and *jazzy*
my tastes made me wary of this album but I liked it a lot. It avoids all the jazz stuff I don’t like and focuses on the stuff I do
This was so jazzy! I was really productive while listening to this, but I probably wouldn't listen again. Some of the timing of the playing wasn't as tight as I wanted it to be.
eh
Excellent playing
Chicken Shack vibes, but not terribly dynamic or interesting. 2 licked fingers out of 5.
Dad music, rad music. The organ sounds like a moog and is brilliant.
Who doesn’t love a good organ? Good sunday morning album, but fades into the background a bit for me. Would give a 7/10 if if was an option.
This is outstanding. Loved it.
🥱
Mostly boring 2.4
A classic in the genre of “stuff I’d have never heard of or listened to if not for 1001 Albums” but I enjoyed it!
Does sound a bit like elevator music, but it’s nice elevator music
Well that was something.
Nice jazz. Kinda washes together, but isn't it about the vibes?
Absolutely fucking incredibile
Seemed very lackluster even for a jazz album
just nice jazz
something i would listen to while frantically completing an assessment due the next day. nothing special, but it's great for the above purpose. i can see it's appeal, but i feel i need vocals to really enjoy a piece of music, or otherwise a truly stand-out musical composition. this album is just mediocre for me, but i like it nonetheless. 5/10
Yo this is groovy as shit. Loving the chill vibes. Definitely background music, would be a great one to have on vinyl in the background playing some games. I really liked this album.
File it under dinner party music. Some nice grooves and the sax is very solid but each song spends about 12 minutes and doesn't stray from the same melody so gets long and repetitive fast. Still pleasant though, not mad about it.
Cool cool jazz.
Good
Beautifully recorded. The 12 bar blue numbers are well done. But like all 12 bar blue instrumentals - grow quickly monotonous. The ii-V-I numbers are more interesting. No one did a jazz quartet/quintet with a tenor and a B-3 better. Still not sure it totally works. The B-3 is such a great mood enhancer - like a peddle steel in country music. But as a lead? Hmmmm. And other than Turrentine, the players are competent but not stellar jazz improvisers. Great background music.
Not bad but meanders the line into elevator music sometimes. Middle 2.
Best way to describe this album would be a "Coffee House Soundtrack". It's great for having in the background and maybe swaying to, but a lot of the pieces meld together and it feels like 1 really long piece instead of 5 separate tracks. I'd give it a 6/10
It's a nice jazz record. The Hammond Organ is not my fav color in the jazz world, but the tunes here groove and the playing is great. I have nothing bad to say about it, but it doesn't blow my socks off like other jazz records have. Would absolutely put on in the bkgrnd tho
boring ass jazz with a single synth/organ doodling in the background. Not sure who would actually sit and listen to this...
A fine, grooving jazz lp that, if you're into 10 minute tracks, has to be quite an experience upon first listen. We liked it well enough but 3 or 4 minutes into each track found ourselves losing interest. 1 track (Chicken Shack) added to 1001 Experience Playlist
Enjoyed this one.
Classical Jazz, I like it.
I’ve always loved Hammond b3 organ, it was interesting to see who popularized it. Solid jazz album
Great album
For me it´s only very good backgroundmusic in a bar.🤷♂️ 2,5
easy to listen to
I love jazz from this era, but hadn’t heard this before. Hard to think of anything but positive vibes from my time with this one.
Never listened to a purely organ based album, but it wasnt that bad.
3 out of 5. For me it's an ok jazz album but I wouldn't mind listening to it again.
Couldn't get through the whole album. Boring and monotonous Hammond organ recital. I like jazz, this is shit.
So many jazz greats are left out of this book but this one made it? Is this more essential than any Coleman, Blakey, Shorter or Dolphy? Definitely not.
Super smooth jazz! That being said, got this in a day I was running around crazy, would have been better to be able to chill with this on a dreary day. 3.25/5
Went in blind, super happy to have heard this. Lovely album.
Virkelig god
Meget lettilgængeligt jazz, virkelig catchy
Ganske fedt - for jeg læste om ham blev jeg glad fordi Hammond B-3 bare har så distinkt en lyd! Så det var sjovt at finde ud af at det var Jimmy Smith som gjorde orgelet populær i jazzzzz
Man, an organ in jazz music is a fantastic idea!! This is like soul jazz or jazz-funk. Really hopping music. Excellent for a dinner party. Favourite songs: Back at the Chicken Shack, Minor Chant, Messy Bessie, On the Sunny Side of the Street Least favourite songs: if forced to pick, When I Grow Too Old to Dream 5/5
Love me some instrumental tunes, but this was too much sax? Every song seemed the same, even after a few listens. Listen again:no Purchase for my collection: no Favourite Song: none
perfectly enjoyable background music, but if the reaper stalled my death for half an hour so i could listen to this, could i understand why? no
fuck yea JAZZZ!
I will return to the chicken shack again.
Ahhh yeah....The way this started out! Totally fit my mood this Friday Morning. ooooh that smooth sax on the second track! It's funny I'd never heard of this guy, but just by looking at the song list (only 5 tracks) and their lengths (averaging 8 min and one being 12min) I knew it would be jazz. I do enjoy jazz.
Jazzy. Ok
Jazzy and good supper cooking music.
1. chicken - 1.5 2. dream - 1.5 3. minor - 1.5 4. bezzie - 1.5 5. zunny - 1
Buenísimo. I love Jazz. 10/10.
8/10
I enjoy this kind of jazz - just something nice and low-key to have on in the background, not anything pretentious or showy or too "jazzed up."
This guy is great. Infectious and fun.
A wonderful, rich instrumental pallet cleanse from most other sounds of 1963
Great stuff here from Jimmy. That saxophonist is something else too.
Fantastic album with excellent groovy tracks
will need to listen again. verryy chilllll
At first I thought that five songs was rather short for an album. But once I realised it was basically an instrumental Jazz album, I realised five songs was plenty! Haha! I liked this album. From my limited knowledge of Jazz, this felt like a really good Jazz album. I liked the vibes of the album, however I do believe Jazz is much more enjoyable when listened to live. The only time I can really see myself listening to this is when I need to focus or study (I need to remember this for when I start my masters in January). My main criticism was that all the songs sounded the same really! It was hard for me to distinguish between when one song ended, and the next one started. Also I feel like the album title and song names don’t fit the vibe of the actual songs… a bit pedantic but oh well!
Not sure I have the best ear for great Vs ok jazz. But I liked this one, a lot of it felt quite familiar (that might be wrong though). Was nice to work to!
Maybe I would have preferred it with some vocals attached, but you can't deny how good that organ is
Nice chill jazz.
Right off the bat pleasantly surprised.
What can I say, I'm a sucker for jazz
Not what I’d choose to listen to, but an interesting change.
Hell yeah
Great soft jazz with organ-lead compositions. This really fits a very specific mood, one that most oftentimes includes a dark liquor and a cozy fire, but not required. The music seldom varies from its core theme, but that doesn’t tarnish its wonderful, sparkling sound ensemble. I would not spin this unless I had a specific group of circumstances, however that does not mean that I don’t enjoy the rhythm.
Chill background vibes.
Difficult for me to rate soft organ jazz. The music gave me warm and fuzzy feelings, and I would love to have this playing in the background as I sipped a glass of red wine next to some candles in a dim restaurant.
Smooth jazz
I will continue to love listening to jazz in the morning. There was nothing that stood out on this one as being really worthy of the list other than just being solid jazz. I appreciate that it is shorter as it does not overstay its welcome. 6/10
Not really for me. But alright, I guess.
Some nice ambient jazz kinda stuff here. Reminded me of booker t and the green onions and the Dave Brubeck quartet.
There's something about the Hammond organ that just acts as a natural mood elevator.
Jimmy Smith's organ sounds so dated to the 60s here in a way I don't think I can articulate, so I won't. That sounds like a potential insult but it's maybe my favorite part of an album that just didn't connect with me much for other reasons also impossible to articulate on first listen. Hopefully it'll connect more in the future.
That B3 always gives me the classic memphis soul feel, but here's it's used in a jazz setting, with more melodic and improvised lines. A funky, soulful jazz record.
very good
Nice. Very groovy, man. Appreciating the jazz today.
Great blues is phenomenal. Other blues is… meh
This is a great summer jazz record.
Alright first album where I have never even heard of the artist! Not sure what genre to expect even. Here we go! okkk starting out strong with some funky organ. Ok ok turns out Jimmy Smith is considered the father of modern jazz organ! Title track "Back at the Chicken Shack" was probably my favorite. Tracks 1-4 are long, meandering jazzy ensembles. Track 5 is more of a "song" - "on the sunny side of the street", and I enjoyed that one a lot. Yeah this rocks and will be a great background album to return to. 4/5!
Decent, kind of boring honestly.
HEERLIJK
Relaxed jazz album, with a cool organ sound. Entertaining, although the songs are quite similar. The guitar reminds me of Julian Lage. I like the title song Back at the Chicken Shack the best.
Amazing masterpiece!
Perfectly enjoyable background music, but nothing to get too excited about.
i was not expecting the sound from the title lol
I'm sure this is important but I just can't live it as more than background music.
Nice
One of the best things about doing an album a day is that it makes me listen to more Jazz, especially chill, pianobased Jazz like this. What a delight to listen to. Made me feel both classy and at ease.
When the album first started I thought it was great but then I realized it's pretty one dimensional. Nobody will fault you for having it on in the background but that's where it belongs. Still some great keyboard playing by Jimmy Smith though. 5.5/10 (2.75/5)
More Hammond organ goodness.
Pleasant background music
This is pretty good for jazz, but it’s jazz
Something as rare as a jazz album I didn’t hate. But neither did I like it. Not much going for it, some decent hammond organ playing and some part decent part annoying saxophone
Life’s too short for jazz.
Middle of the road jazz. Starts quite funky but becomes very samey after a while.
Some might say “Life is too short for Jazz”. I disagree. Make room for Jazz like this. Sublime.
Toooo jazzy/bluesy/horny/long.
Pretty good jazz album overall. Not sure what else to say.
Honestly not knowing or listening to a lot of jazz , I fully expected to maybe not like the album . What I can then say is , it's just a typical jazz album . Did I like it? Yes Will I come back to it ? Yes Was it sometimes boring and maybe too long for some songs ? Yes . What then is my conclusion ? Typical jazz from the limited jazz I've listened to , but it was okay . The title track was also really enjoyable .
Lesson learned: If you're going to commit to a 4-song album where tracks range from 7 to 13 minutes, those songs better be some darn masterpieces. But thin-textured, somewhat monotonous 60s blues doesn't really get there for me. Sure, it's a pleasant listen, but nothing more. My favourite piece is the opener/title track, mostly because the music hasn't yet run itself dry. I see this album as a continuation of the trends set by Booker T. and the M.G.'s and other contemporaries. Light jazz, no lyrics – just a simple, lighthearted atmosphere. But honestly, unless you're in one of these bands, there just isn't much to keep your interest. All the tracks are identical texturally and in terms of overall mood. The long-form solos on sax and keyboard are solid, but without vocals or really anything to break them up from one another, they can come across as repetitive. 2/5 Key tracks: Back At The Chicken Shack
Chill asf, very nice background listen
Laid back with killer sax and Hammond organ. I have enjoyed this album immensely. I listened to it most of my work day. I used to have his Dynamic Duo CD with Wes Montgomery and that one is good also, but I like this type of blues jazz a little more. Thanks album generator, this one's a real gem.
Bring on the funky Hammond organ! OK, in the end this was a bit more jazzy than funky but good times all the same. 3.5 rounding up 1001 community, if you liked this, check out and support the Delvon Lamar Organ Trio!
Pretty good actually, I liked the jazz a lot
Not my genre
Really enjoyed this
Nice easy listening smooth jazz. Nothing mind blowing or captivating, but does it's job well. Great for background music or relaxing. Simple and effective
Here's the thing about jazz. I like it, it's the perfect music for the background, but I'm not a talented enough musician and I don't have the attention span to really evaluate the complexities and skillfulness of the jazz greats. So while I didn't dislike one note I heard, I don't feel like I can properly appreciate the album to give it a fair rating.
I’m just not super jazzy
Back at the chicken shack is not funky enough to make me not hate the rest of the album. 10 min boring jazz songs is a tough listen
The style of jazz is great, but this is background music or the music a late night band plays or part of the score to a Blues Brothers movie. I love organ jazz though, I wonder if Booker T. and the MGs have any albums on the list because this is very similar. This is good music to work to, very productive morning, but super nondescript, mind elsewhere music.
I preferred the saxophone to the organ, which is a little unfortunate since apparently Jimmy Smith himself is the organist. A super chill album, and one I’ll likely put on again.
Fun, light, swanky. This might be my favorite brand of jazz. It just puts you in a good mood.
Didn't finish listening, but so far liked the good vibes. Not a huge jazz fan but it's quite easygoing as far as jazz goes
Shite
Nice jazz
Nice jazz, not really my thing but not too bad
it was pleasing to listen to, it makes for good background music while working
Good elevator music
Jazzy! Nor my bread and butter but pleasant
Without wanting to sound like a philistine, I found this really boring. I just don't dig it.
Just a great jazz album with really good organ
It's all right. No singing, only instrumentals. Probably wouldn't have picked it, but it is fine to listen to.
I’ve never appreciated how groovy and uplifting an organ could sound. This chicken shacks where it’s at
Meh album.
A cool, tight, yet very laid-back affair from top organ player Jimmy Smith. Like cooking in the kitchen on a Sunday afternoon with someone you love, the album bounces along, is filled with activity, and just enough moments of softness and tenderness. If you're like me and feel that jazz constitutes a massive knowledge gap (and I'm told that the best place to start would be compilations, not the album form), then this is a worthy collection of songs that can help you broaden your range from the Accepted Pantheon of Gods. B+
That's not my taste in musik. But some pleasant songs - relaxing
oooo i was so bored
Not a bad wee album Quite repetitive Would be great dinner music
Absolutely 5 stars for this genius, classical-jazzy-discotecque bluesy 50s/60s coffee shop beatnik concept album. The organ is the finishing icing touch for me.
Back at the Chicken Shack This is probably my favourite of the jazz albums we’ve had so far. With the focus split between organ, sax and guitar and the clear crossover with soul it’s actually very pleasantly listenable. Back at the Chicken Shack sounds a lot like Green Onions, so I presume this was a big influence on Booker T. However this was recorded in 1960, but wasn’t released until 1963, and Green Onions came out in 1962, so who knows. To my untrained ear they are both 12 bar blues (please correct me!), and feature the hammond so I can see there is a lot in common purely from a sonic point of view, but I presume it may be a consequence of this album being a bridge between jazz and soul and also Booker T being into jazz also. Nevertheless nice song. When I Grow Too Old to Dream is a very nice melody and is played with quite a nice soft feel. I should dislike the sax, but I actually like it, it doesn’t get too far away from the melody and the organ works very nicely in the back of the mix, kind of anchoring it to the band. The sax blarps and dominates a little too much Minor Chant, making it a little too close to the stereotypical jazz sound I’m not keen on, although the keyboard is nice. Messy Bessie I really like, although again the sax is prominent it again feels much more melodic and less obtrusive than Minor Chant, and is only one part of the soloing, rather than the dominant part. The guitar is great, some little bluesy touches and a nice counterpoint to the organ and sax Overall I liked this, I found it a very nice listen, which isn’t always the case with this sort of album. I’m almost tempted to go 4, and although I will come back to this, I’m not sure how frequently, which I think would put it as a high 3. 🐓🐓🐓 Playlist submission: Back at the Chicken Shack
It's a fun listen, jazz organ is a rare enough treat
Ok
Funky
Easy listening jazz.. I am faling asleep
I don’t typically go for lyric-less music. This is a really nice, tight representation of jazz music though! I see myself returning to it.
That was amazing.
Jazz aint my thang. Kids enjoyed it tho.
Panera music
Ok
Instrumental Jazz? Wouldn't have thought it'd be my thing, but I enjoyed this.
Keys ok but too much saxy
Jazz is not really my thing but this was jolly and easy to listen to. Good background music but I doubt I'd listen for the music itself
Happy to hear some more jazz classics. Jimmy Smith in particular is an influental artist who I’m pleasantly suprised to have appear here. All in all, a nice album. Strong 3
Expected more chickens 4/5
Chicken Shack!!
Love Jimmy Smith. His smooth sound is exactly the opposite of hard to listen to. That's why his albums were a go-to over many a Thanksgiving for a reason. Only reason I'm not going full five is that the arrangements are so simple, so as to create great ambient music but not necessarily an attention grabber (like bebop at the time).
Great album, was super fun to listen to all the way through.
Oh wow !!!
Taustamusiikiksi varsin passelia, ei tulisi muuten kuunneltua.
I don't know much about jazz. I enjoyed this album. But there were no standouts. Not bad by any means. 2.5/5 = ok
did they ever try making a bad jazz album?
Jimmy puts out some funky jazz that you can actually listen to without thinking it’s just an instrument tuning session. Back At The Chicken Shack is a successful kickoff, album fades with each successive song - but still good. Liked it well enough to check out some of Jimmy’s other albums. (3.1*s)
This is somewhat boring and even with only five songs, it drags on a bit. That said, it's still one of the better jazz albums on the list. Based on the title, I wanted it to be a bit more funky. Turns out it's too "easy-listening" for me and the sax is the real star even though Jimmy plays the organ. I'll round up because they put a doggo on the cover but this is missable overall.
So bored by this album. Jimmys improv style on the organ makes this one drawn out jazz jam sesh. How do they play these songs live the same each time? Just sounds like slapping a keyboard and honking a sax for 45 mins. Where's John Zorn when you need him? 1.0
3 minutes of this was about all I needed. 40 minutes just made me completely tune out. I don't feel like there was any reason I needed to hear this album before I die. Vote to remove from the list. 1.11 stars
cool jazz album
Fabulous album and players. Jimmy excels and is backed by an in form Kenny Burrell. Stanley Turrentine blows so well and Donald Bailey keeps the groove going. Love it!
Ever been a jazz guy and this changed my mind; incredibly fun and vibrant.
It’s was groovy but I probably won’t listen again
This is a 100% by-the-numbers blues instrumental CD. Think "Green Onions" but not as recognizable. Now 60 years later, it really just sounds like you've been put on an interminable hold by an associate at Comcast customer service. It's not actively bad, and if somebody made me list 1001 listenable CDs we might eventually get here.
Damn Jimmy. What else you got hiding at the chicken shack
A chill jazz album, nothing wrong with it. I don't know a lot about jazz to know why this album is on here, but I have no notes. 5*
This is another jazz album where I enjoy listening to it in the moment, but it inevitably becomes background music. But I'm not usually a big organ fan, and I didn't hate this, so there's that. The whole thing reminded me of the movie Get Shorty. I guess I'll give it a 4. Even though I probably wouldn't go out of my way to listen to it again, I'd vibe to it if someone put it on. 4/5
After the chaos that is Fat Boy Slim, this was soothing and pleasant.
Jazz animado. Me ha gustado. Un 4.
Al principio guay. Luego ya .... pues mira, si voy en un ascensor durante mucho rato, sería agradable. Vale, o en un crucero.
Funky genius. I wouldn’t say I know much about jazz, but I know what I love, and this is definitely it. I guess this predates some of the 70s soul jazz, which I think tends to get a bad rap for being too commercial, cool, and uncreative, but when it’s this awesome, I can’t see how any jazz lover ought complain.
Smooth background jazz
Went into this blind and from the name I guessed it would be a country album. I was not expecting smooth jazz. It’s not bad! Not my favorite kind of jazz, but very listenable. I usually lean toward more aggressive or experimental stuff. This is more lounge music, great for background music at a party in the 60s.
I didn't know what to expect with this one but what I heard I loved. Will definitely come back to this some day. 5 stars for me just because I usually prefer lyrics but this had me captured from start to finish.
Points for putting a dog on the cover, and this was inoffensive as background music, but it also didn't do anything for me. I just don't enjoy jazz that much. 2.1
Very enjoy.
!*
✅ fine. Unlikely to revisit
Mojo Jazz
4.5/5. Take me back to the shack.
I like jazz, but can’t tell if it’s good or not. I like this, but it was no different than the stuff Spotify played afterwards.
This was good but it’s hard to me to really listen to something that doesn’t have lyrics or very minimal lyrics.
From the album cover I was not expecting jazz. I loved this. Smooth and relaxing.
It’s good but I’m not “moved” by it. Just seems like simple jazz to me.
One of Blue Note's best.
Very chill. Great vibes.
Ok
I have a soft spot for jazz, but it's not my favourite genre to listen to.
Suffers from all the problems most jazz suffers from. Too long too much technique too little emotion
Twin Peaks ahhhh jazz. That B3 sure is SANGIN. Really great vibes. Zoned out a bit towards the end. Really a 3.5 star ordeal for me.
Mm this is some tasty, bluesy jazz. Loving all of the guitar work on Messy Bessie -- that clean tone is something I'll never tire of. Not to mention some really spacious organ rumination. Not much else to say here. This had great vibes and great musicianship. Solid 4 / 5 for me.
A nice and smooth ride all the way through. Perfect amount of time. Would definitely put this on as background music for a function.
That was some ultimate background music yazz. Nothing at all stood out to me but the whole thing was a nice listen through.
I wonder if the band Jimmies Chicken Shack from Annapolis was influenced at all by this name. This is some good morning chillin shit. Easy 3 for some good listening. Nothing real spectacular but just good shit.
Pretty chill jazz album. good for background
lay me down in the green brown fields tongue out so i can sweat a twinkling walking shower eyes open so i can see the fleeting goodbye sunset nose twitching so i can smell the deafening fiery powder running cross my cheek it makes me happy when others recognize it as bleak put me down in the green brown fields its all thats left its all ive got in the blood let me marinate not the first time i rot cool album btw
Great surprise - It’s something else than it’s cover art… although in itself that is a great cover. The music is groovy, fun, well played and just a great soundtrack for so many occasions!
Well this one surprised me went in not expecting much (I had it on in the background while doing housework) but I enjoyed it. The musicianship is fantastic as it slips between genres really well.
From my initial reaction to the cover to my actual enjoyment of the album this is one of the biggest underdog stories so far. Very chill/smooth/funky, great musicianship throughout. My only complaint is that this may have been the same song 5 times in a row and I really have no way of confirming one way of the other.
So awesome. Bluesy jazz with that electric organ sound. Gotta listen to more Jimmy Smith
No
Down, cool, groovy and smoothe...3.5
Loved it!
Pretty chill as background music, but nothing here that really demands your attention. The first track is a nice combination of jazz and blues.
You knew what time it was the moment you saw this album cover
It was okay, jazzy but not really my type.
I'm still struggling with jazz
I’m a sucker for a Hammond Organ! Wait, that sounds bad! The musical instrument, I mean. I liked his version of the blues, which landed somewhere between New Orleans Jazz and a southern Baptist church. Title track and Minor Chant were key tracks.
I'm trying to catch up here! Jimmy Smith Christmas '64 is one of my favorite Christmas albums. I never thought about checking out his regular work. I like it. Same style as the Christmas record. It definitely is a good one to throw on for an evening of jazz listening.
This is the most misleading album title and cover art of all time. Hiding a brilliant jazz album behind this facade is some double secret agent tomfoolery. I don't know how I have never heard or heard or this before, but I will be revisiting this like an exclusive top shelf speakeasy I've been accidentally allowed entry into and have been told I'm welcome back anytime.
Awesome, awesome soul jazz. Jimmy’s playing is so fluid, and Stanley Turrentine has one of the most perfect tenor sax tones ever. Great shit. 4.5/5
Fine but not amazing
Nice instrumental album
Good background music.
proper good album
I’m not versed enough in jazz to render an opinion so I’ll give what appears to be a classic 5 stars. I’d only listen to this as background music.
Cool organ sounds, but not very memorable songs
OK MOR jazz that largely passed me by. Some decent parts to it that caught my attention, often ruined by the organ. I just cant get in board with the organ.
This organ led jazz didn't really click with me, the organ made it sound a bit lightweight and silly. I think the music was decent and the guy was clearly talented, and when the sax was used it came together pretty well. The last song was the best for this reason. If you like jazz organ I guess this guy is the goat, but I don't particularly.
I'm sure the chicken shack is great, but I found this a bit rote. Same progressions, predictable. I liked the organ.
Pleasant relaxing Jazz to have on in the background.
Man, it sounds good in the chicken shack! I sometimes find jazz too inaccessible and can't enjoy it, but I did really like this. Probably just as background music, but perhaps that's what it's for. 3.5
Iconic Hammond organ that could only be Jimmy Smith.
A surprise! What a wonderful album.
3/5
adorei o jazz, o álbum é legal e tem várias músicas boas.
Amazing trip all the way through. So authentic and real. Opens up like a bright sunrise
Minor Chant
Gran álbum. Jazz del bueno. Guardado para la colección.
Loved this.
Really enjoyed this album.
There have not been many pure instrumental albums so far, and the ones that were close are ones that I wish didn't have the small amount of lyrics they had. Right off the bat I was finding myself thinking we need more jazz organ. It's a fun album to have in the background. Nice to shuffle about to and reminds me of baseball for some reason. As it went on, I retracted my thought about needing more as I think this amount is just right. I still like it just fine, but a little goes further than I expected. I can't say I really distinguished many songs from one or the other on the first listen, but had a good time from start to finish. Some jazz can get a little complicated but this is a nice steady bop for 45 minutes. Favorite track "Back at the Chicken Shack" (mostly because that's the one I know the title of) 4/5
Vahva kolmepuol kääntyy neloseen.
Great to listen to as I got the kids ready for the day. 43 minutes flew by!
Not my thing
Easily the most hilarious album I’ve come across so far, other than that, it’s jazz. Can’t hate it, can’t love it 4.5/10
1960's Jazz. Pieces all sound similar.
Favourite song - When I grow too old to dream 2.5 stars
Very chill jazz
Lyricless 60s Jazz isn’t for me. Musically I thought it was pretty decent, I just felt like my home turned into a speak easy.
Pretty solid instrumental track, but being an instrumental only project can get boring and feel repetitive at times. The solos can be entertaining and the album doesn’t have any “bad” songs on it, just not interesting or stand out enough to really warrant a spot on the playlist.
It's aight. 3/5
I don't like jazz. There, I said it. Every once in a while something jazzy catches my ear, but in the aggregate I don't like jazz. This isn't as annoying to listen to as some things on this list though.
Easy listening
"Back At The Chicken Shack" by Jimmy Smith is a quintessential jazz album, notable for its blend of blues and jazz and its significant influence on the genre. Released in 1960 on Blue Note Records, the album features Jimmy Smith on the Hammond B-3 organ, Stanley Turrentine on tenor saxophone, Kenny Burrell on guitar, and Donald Bailey on drums. This review will delve into the various facets of the album, including the music, production, themes, and its enduring influence, while also discussing the pros and cons. ### Music The music on "Back At The Chicken Shack" is a prime example of soul jazz, a subgenre that fuses elements of blues, gospel, and jazz. Jimmy Smith's mastery of the Hammond B-3 organ is the album's cornerstone. His playing is both technically proficient and emotionally resonant, delivering a rich, full-bodied sound that defines the album's character. 1. **"Back at the Chicken Shack"**: The title track is a bluesy, mid-tempo groove that showcases Smith's fluid improvisation. Stanley Turrentine's tenor saxophone adds a warm, soulful texture, while Kenny Burrell's guitar complements the organ lines with subtle, rhythmic chord progressions. Donald Bailey's drumming is understated but effective, providing a steady, swinging foundation. 2. **"When I Grow Too Old to Dream"**: This track slows the pace, featuring a more reflective and mellow mood. Smith's organ work is tender and expressive, blending seamlessly with Turrentine's poignant saxophone melodies. The piece highlights the emotional depth that Smith can achieve with his instrument. 3. **"Minor Chant"**: A composition by Turrentine, this track has a slightly darker, modal feel. The interplay between Smith and Turrentine is intricate and engaging, with Burrell's guitar adding a nuanced harmonic layer. The minor key gives the piece a unique flavor compared to the rest of the album. 4. **"Messy Bessie"**: This upbeat number returns to a more traditional blues structure. Smith's exuberant organ lines drive the track forward, while Turrentine and Burrell provide energetic solos. The rhythm section locks in perfectly, creating a lively and infectious groove. 5. **"On the Sunny Side of the Street"**: The closing track is a jazz standard interpreted with a soulful twist. Smith's playful and optimistic organ playing captures the essence of the song, and the entire band delivers a cohesive and uplifting performance. ### Production The production of "Back At The Chicken Shack," handled by Alfred Lion, co-founder of Blue Note Records, is notable for its clarity and warmth. Rudy Van Gelder, the engineer, is renowned for his ability to capture the essence of jazz recordings. His work on this album is exemplary, providing a clean and well-balanced sound that allows each instrument to shine. 1. **Recording Quality**: The album was recorded at Van Gelder Studio, known for its superior acoustics and state-of-the-art equipment. The sound quality is pristine, with a perfect balance between the instruments. Smith's organ is rich and resonant, Turrentine's saxophone is smooth and full-bodied, Burrell's guitar is clear and precise, and Bailey's drums are crisp and articulate. 2. **Mixing**: The mix ensures that each instrument occupies its own space in the sonic landscape. Smith's organ is prominent but never overpowering, allowing Turrentine's saxophone and Burrell's guitar to share the spotlight. The drums are mixed to provide a solid rhythmic foundation without overshadowing the melodic elements. ### Themes The themes of "Back At The Chicken Shack" revolve around the intersection of blues and jazz, capturing the essence of both genres while creating something uniquely soulful. The album's title and cover art, featuring a rustic, rural scene, evoke a sense of nostalgia and simplicity. This ties into the music, which blends the raw emotion of the blues with the sophistication of jazz. 1. **Nostalgia and Simplicity**: The album's title track, with its laid-back groove and earthy feel, evokes a sense of returning to one's roots. The music is accessible yet profound, appealing to both jazz aficionados and casual listeners. 2. **Emotional Depth**: Tracks like "When I Grow Too Old to Dream" and "Minor Chant" explore deeper emotional territory. The former is a contemplative ballad that speaks to the passage of time and the importance of cherished memories. The latter, with its minor key and introspective mood, delves into more complex emotions. 3. **Joy and Playfulness**: "Messy Bessie" and "On the Sunny Side of the Street" bring a sense of joy and playfulness to the album. These tracks highlight the lighter side of Smith's music, emphasizing the fun and energetic aspects of jazz and blues. ### Influence "Back At The Chicken Shack" has had a lasting impact on the jazz world and beyond. Jimmy Smith's innovative use of the Hammond B-3 organ helped to popularize the instrument in jazz and soul music. His style influenced countless musicians and contributed to the development of the soul jazz genre. 1. **Influence on Jazz Organists**: Smith's virtuosity and creativity set a new standard for jazz organists. Artists like Larry Young, Joey DeFrancesco, and Lonnie Smith have cited Jimmy Smith as a major influence on their work. 2. **Cross-Genre Appeal**: The album's blend of jazz, blues, and soul resonated with a wide audience, bridging the gap between different musical communities. This cross-genre appeal helped to bring jazz to a broader audience and paved the way for future innovations in fusion genres. 3. **Cultural Impact**: "Back At The Chicken Shack" remains a touchstone in the jazz canon, frequently referenced in discussions about the evolution of the genre. Its influence extends beyond music, contributing to the cultural dialogue about the intersections of race, identity, and artistic expression in mid-20th-century America. ### Pros and Cons #### Pros 1. **Musical Mastery**: Jimmy Smith's command of the Hammond B-3 organ is unparalleled. His ability to blend technical skill with emotional expression is a major strength of the album. 2. **Cohesive Ensemble**: The interplay between Smith, Turrentine, Burrell, and Bailey is seamless. Each musician brings their unique voice to the table, creating a cohesive and dynamic sound. 3. **Production Quality**: The recording and mixing quality are top-notch, ensuring that the music is presented in the best possible light. The clarity and balance of the production enhance the listening experience. 4. **Emotional Range**: The album covers a wide range of emotions, from joy and playfulness to introspection and nostalgia. This emotional diversity makes it a rich and rewarding listening experience. 5. **Historical Significance**: As a landmark album in the soul jazz genre, "Back At The Chicken Shack" holds significant historical value. Its influence on subsequent generations of musicians is undeniable. #### Cons 1. **Limited Innovation**: While the album is a masterful example of its genre, it doesn't push the boundaries of jazz in the same way that some of Smith's contemporaries did. Listeners seeking more experimental or avant-garde jazz may find it somewhat conventional. 2. **Homogeneous Sound**: The album's cohesive sound is a double-edged sword. While it creates a unified listening experience, it also means that the tracks can blend together, potentially lacking the diversity that some listeners might prefer. 3. **Commercial Constraints**: As with many recordings of the era, the album was designed to appeal to a broad audience. This commercial consideration may have limited some of the more adventurous or unconventional elements that Smith was capable of. 4. **Short Track Lengths**: The relatively short track lengths, typical of the LP format at the time, may leave some listeners wanting more extended improvisations and deeper explorations of the themes presented. ### Conclusion "Back At The Chicken Shack" by Jimmy Smith is a seminal album that stands as a testament to the power and versatility of the Hammond B-3 organ in jazz. Its blend of blues, jazz, and soul creates a timeless sound that continues to resonate with listeners today. The album's strengths lie in its musical mastery, cohesive ensemble performance, high production quality, emotional range, and historical significance. However, it may be seen as limited in innovation, somewhat homogeneous in sound, constrained by commercial considerations, and featuring shorter track lengths than some listeners might prefer. Despite these minor drawbacks, "Back At The Chicken Shack" remains a cornerstone of the soul jazz genre and an essential listen for anyone interested in the development of jazz music. Its enduring influence and appeal are a testament to Jimmy Smith's genius and the lasting impact of this iconic album.
3.8 - This was nice, sometimes felt a bit background. But I think in the right setting this is a lovely album.
Not the most sonically interesting jazz album, but still a pleasant experience. 3.5/5
Sounded too much like ballpark music.
Almost gave this a 2, but then I listened again--it's tight enough for a 3.5, but going to:
I really enjoyed this one. It was upbeat and smile-inducing all the way through.
Very solid jazz album. If I had me a record player, I feel like this would be a great one to throw on when you’re just chillin around the house.
Nice bit of organ-infused jazz from the self-styled Incredible Jimmy Smith.
We're at the 10% mark and there's been only one other jazz album so far. I'm so happy this one made the list! It's not one of the usual suspects from Miles or Coltrane, but man, it really captures a lot of mid-century jazz greatness. It's not flashy. It's not pushing the envelope or redefining anything. But if you walked into a bar and these cats were laying this stuff down, you'd remember it forever.
non mi piace il jazz, canzoni troppo lunghe e monotone
This made me feel like I was at a baseball game. I enjoyed the first inning (track) but then it got too long and really boring. Almost annoying
Enjoyed it
Very easy listening, talented musician. Typically don't listen to music that does not contain lyrics but this was exceptional musically
很休闲的jazz
Jazz so smooth you can call it flat....
There's some nice sounding jazz here. Nothing too special to make it stand out other than Smith's electric organ skills. It's not bad in any way but the tracks are indistinguishable from each other. "Back at the Chicken Shack" is one of those albums to listen to in the background. It's worth checking out for any jazz fans. 4 stars from me.
I would probably spend a couple of hours at the Chicken Shack.
This was a fantastic album. A fair amount of Booker T & the MG vibes going for throughout the entire listen.
Really enjoyed this one. Such a groovy chill sound and something I could listen to all the time.
That was nice. Love his organ and the sax was nice too
Jazzy. Favourite track: Minor Chant.
Really enjoyed this one, note to self: a good work album
My original review got overwritten with another random album. Rip. I’m looking at you Louis Prima.
I remember liking this it feels like a good dinner party record I wanna revisit the jazzy flows
Jazz animado. Me ha gustado. Un 4.
jazz !!
Truly an underappreciated record from Jimmy Smith, I get it's not the most innovative compared to someone like Nina Simone or Miles Davis. However, if you learn to just listen and take in what you're hearing than maybe you'd feel more understanding towards the LP. I sat in the car and as I drove I let the instrumentals kinda take control and put me on a journey. I enjoy the Saxy moments and keyboard work truly did a good job. Of course I wouldn't call it anything too amazing but it's really great and deserves a listen.
Loved the chill vibes, felt like I could be cozy at a coffee house or floating on some good green and it would be a perfect soundtrack for my mind!!
It was alright. Had it on as background music - it wasn't bad, but just not my sort of thing 3 ⭐️
Really good mind clearer. Lovely situational
Sounded great. Not too outstanding.
Jazz Mit viel Orgel und Trompete