The Mayor of Smithville
Just a quick note to add to the previous customer review of "Smithville," which is from 2001 and pertains to an earlier import incarnation of this fine album. Nothing written below is incorrect, but the new 2008 domestic version of this CD, from the limited edition Connoisseur Series, features three bonus tracks not contained on the original vinyl. They are Charlie Parker's "Au Privave," another Louis Smith composition "Bakin'" (aka "Tunesmith"), and a mono take of "There Will Be Another You." Also as the reviewer of Here Comes Louis Smith, I wanted to mention that even though this album doesn't have the starpower of a "Cannonball" Adderley, it is even better than Smith's Blue Note debut. Reason being, it simply sounds cleaner and crisper, as it was recorded by Rudy Van Gelder in his famous Hackensack studio. Jazz devotees have been craving this reissue for years, don't miss your chance to visit "Smithville."

Louis Smith--Worth Checking Out
I can recommend to any jazz fan Mr. Smith's warm tone and elegant phrasing. And he smokes on the fast tunes, too.

Featuring Sonny Clark, Paul Chambers, Charlie Rouse and Art Taylor, this album has many bright spots. In terms of criticism, two of the three tunes of Mr. Smith's on this CD feature melodies a little too busy for my taste. Sonny Clark's playing on the title track also seems to step on Mr. Smith's first solo.

But this is really just nitpicking. If you haven't heard Louis Smith, you are missing out. Check it out now!