Jimmy Smith – Bashin’: The Unpredictable Jimmy Smith

Acoustic Sounds Series reissues from Verve/Universal Music Enterprises!

Monthly releases highlighting the world’s most historic and best jazz records!

Mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from the original analog tapes

180-gram LPs pressed at Quality Record Pressings!

Stoughton Printing gatefold old-style tip-on jackets

Series supervised by Chad Kassem CEO of Acoustic Sounds

Recorded in March 1962 and released later that year as Jimmy Smith’s Verve debut, Bashin’: The Unpredictable Jimmy Smith marked a pivotal point in the organist’s career, presenting him in both a bold new orchestral context and the intimate trio format that had defined his earlier work. Oliver Nelson’s dynamic big-band arrangements — most famously on the breakout hit “Walk on the Wild Side,” which reached No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 — gave Smith a dramatic, brass-driven setting that expanded his audience and showcased the power of his Hammond B-3 in a cinematic frame.

By contrast, the trio performances with guitarist Quentin Warren and drummer Donald Bailey highlight the subtle swing, blues feeling, and elastic phrasing that remained at the core of his artistry. Together, the contrasting ensembles reveal Smith’s versatility at a key transitional moment, making Bashin’ one of the most significant and enduring entries in his Verve catalog.