John Scofield > A Go Go
Composed by John Scofield

Don’t ask me what “Postmodern Soul Jazz” is, other than a conceit for this week’s playlist. But it was the only thing that came to mind about these great tracks. It’s not nearly as populist as the originals, but certainly more popular than most of what passes for modern jazz. These artists grew up with the hangover of baby boomer mash-ups that put The Beatles, James Brown, The Singing Nun, and Cannonball Adderley on the same radio playlists.

Don’t ask what possessed me to buy this record. I don’t particularly like jazz guitar, I’d never consciously heard this guy, and I knew I wouldn’t care. But, such it was that day at Tower Records on the Sunset Strip. Then, I couldn’t stop playing it, and it was two years before I knew the rhythm section was the famed (though I’d never heard of them) Medeski Martin & Wood.

Postmodern Soul Jazz Week #1
Legends of the Guitar #13 
Legends of the Jam Band #1
Legends of the Organ #3

Jimmy Smith >Li’l Darlin’
Composed by Neal Hefti

I’ve posted a Basie original (I think) version of this tune, and I’ve posted a Jimmy during his peak period. But so what, ya know?

Ballads Week #2
Legends of the Organ #2
Ballad #31 
Cover #47

Poster & illlustration by Robertlan Borges

Jack McDuff > A Change is Gonna Come
Composed by Sam Cooke

I heard a report from the London Obama gathering (amazing in itself, yes?) that A Change is Gonna Come was their anthem of the night. Just like us. This version from Brother Jack is rarely heard, and a nice change up.

Hope & Change Week #6 
Legends of the Organ #1 
Covers #27
Legends of Soul Jazz #4

Jimmy Smith > I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man
Composed by Willie Dixon

For the life of me I can’t figure out why it was necessary for Jimmy Smith to sing, but hey, I’m no organ genius either.

Hoochie Week #3 
Legends of the Organ #2 
Covers #23

Booker T. & the M.G.’s > You Can’t Do That
Composed by John Lennon & Paul McCartney

There are lots of instrumental Beatles covers —mainly jazz— but Booker T. Jones and Duck Dunn were particularly enamoured. They were of the same generation after all, a big difference from most of the jazzmen. BT&TMGs are the greatest cover band (and much more) in history so there are too many of their soul/Merseybeat versions I love. I’ve just picked a cool one out of a hat.

Some Beatles Covers (Instrumental Edition) #6 
Covers #19 
Legends of Soul #13
Legends of the Organ #4

fredseibert:

Legends of the Organ #1
Legends of Soul Jazz #4

Brother Jack McDuff > Cold Duck Time

Eddie Harris wrote and recorded this song, but I really didn’t give it one conscious listen until Jack McDuff rocked the house with it. Now it’s my favorite soul jazz tune. Goes to show you something, though I’m not sure what.

McDuff was one of the Hammond organ funk greats of his time, I’m only sorry I didn’t notice until it was too late.