Not sure why a previous owner of this record drew a red “X” through the label – guess maybe they preferred the flip side with Stan Getz on tenor (“Where or When”).
I’m usually one to fall asleep during ballads, but Johnny Smith’s dreamy cool jazz guitar has the ability to lull into a kind of trance state while still keeping one fully engaged. For some reason, this lush side really spoke to me the last time I put it on.
While we hear a few subtle asides by Zoot Sims from time to time, it’s Smith who leads the show here, dazzling with his rich tone.
After a bit of surface noise in the first 20-30 seconds, things smooth out.
Recorded in New York City circa April, 1952.
Credits
Johnny Smith – guitar
Zoot Sims – tenor sax
Sanford Gold – piano
Eddie Safranski – bass
Don Lamond – drums
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