Jimmy Smith - Confirmation (1958)

Organist Jimmy Smith led a series of exciting jam sessions for Blue Note from 1957-1960, including the three selections heard on this LP. These performances were not released for the first time until 1979, but their quality is as strong as Smith's other output from the era. "Confirmation" matches Smith with altoist Lou Donaldson, tenor saxophonist Tina Brooks, trumpeter Lee Morgan, guitarist Kenny Burrell, and drummer Art Blakey, while a 15-minute rendition of "What Is This Thing Called Love" and a 20-minute "Cherokee" have Morgan, Burrell, Blakey, trombonist Curtis Fuller, and George Coleman on alto. The heated solos are quite enjoyable, and the organist keeps the momentum constantly flowing throughout this infectious set.