Record Reviews

TERRY SMITH ~ FALL OUT SUNBEAM 5008 (Barcode: 5051125500819) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1968 Released: 2006 Guitarist / composer Terry SmithFind albums by this artist was one of the busiest musicians on the British Jazz scene in the late 1960s. Voted the best Jazz guitarist in the 1968 polls, when this album was recorded, Smith was not only playing at the regular Jazz venues around London, but was also a member of the backup group of singer Scott WalkerFind albums by this artist, who was at the peak of his popularity at the time. Walker, although extremely successful as a Pop artists, had a keen musical ear and was trying to get away from the sugary Pop image by employing some of the best Jazz musicians at the time In his band, which was led by no other than the legendary Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist. Walker used his influence with his label (PhilipsFind albums on this label) to offer a recording opportunity to some of the young and extremely talented musicians in the band, which led to the recording of this debut album by Terry Smith. As this album shows, Smith already had an extraordinary technique and feel for Jazz. Based on the tradition created by players like Kenny BurrellFind albums by this artist and Wes MontgomeryFind albums by this artist, Smith took his guitar work a few steps further adding his personal touch. Of course just a few months later Smith would become one of the founding members of the British Jazz-Rock ensemble IfFind albums by this artist, which successfully competed with their American counterparts like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist and ChicagoFind albums by this artist. On this album Smith is accompanied by some of the best British Jazz musicians at the time, including Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Ray WarleighFind albums by this artist on sax and flute, Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist on piano and Ron MathewsonFind albums by this artist on bass. Of the eight tracks on this album, three are his originals and the rest standards, beautifully arranged for a big Jazz ensemble. Two of the tracks are performed by Smith’s trio with Bob StuckleyFind albums by this artist on organ and Chris KarenFind albums by this artist on drums. This is an excellent album by all means and it’s great to have it back from oblivion after all these years. Recommended!

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