Track Listing

1. Where or When
2. Tabu
3. Moonlight in Vermont
4. Jaguar
5. Stars Fell on Alabama
6. Tenderly
7. (I Don't Stand A) Ghost of a Chance
8. Vilia
9. Cavu
10. I'll Be Around
11. Yesterdays
12. Cherokee
13. Sometimes I'm Happy
14. Nice Work If You Can Get It
15. Jaguar [Alternate Version]
16. My Funny Valentine

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8441 in Music
• Released on: 2004-02-24
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Dimensions: .22 pounds

Album Description
In 1952, guitar virtuoso Johnny Smith began recording for Teddy Reig's Roost Records and he hit big with his first session. Adding Stan Getz to his regular quartet, he created a spellbinding version of "Moonlight In Vermont" which became a best-selling record far beyond the jazz audience.

Reig paired Smith with Getz again and then with Zoot Sims and Paul Quinichette. While they never matched their first hit in sales, the created some great jazz. All 16 tunes by Smith with these tenor giants are gathered on this CD, remastered in 24 but from the original tapes.

Customer Reviews

Alot of hints of modern jazz in this ol' album
This guy was really a great guitarist, and songwritter. On this album he has some of the most recognizeable jazz tunes ever, such as the classic 'yesterday'. This album really helps me close in the gap between old jazz, and modern jazz. He showcases alot of what was to come in the near future. This is a very good jazz album id recommend to any fan of jazz.

Wow! What an album
I can point to a few albums that really got me into jazz and this is one. Johnny plays on this album with Stan Getz and others. It is a great album. The title song was the Downbeat song of the year for 1952. One knock on Johnny Smith is that he wasn't jazz mainly because his playing was so clean--it sounded too rehearsed, too clean. There are a few outtakes one the CD that will put that to rest. Johnny, himself, admitted he never really thought of himself as a "jazz" guitarist, but more of a session musician. He was on staff with the NBC orchestra back in the day. I think one thing is clear though and this CD bears it out is that Johnny is an important guitarist in the history of jazz guitar. He is the connection between Charlie Christian, and Django Reinhardt to more contemporary players. It's ironic how a man with such a common name made such beautiful music.

Mood Swings
In 1954, I started college as a guitar major, and was entranced by guitarists who could play "standards" in a manner that erased reality and created a mood that enveloped listeners. In those days, Johnny Smith was in the forefront of the pack. Now years later, listening to this CD still creates a mellow mood. I plan to use this CD as a holiday gift for my offspring. I know they will benefit from this timeless music, as will any person of any age.