The Sermon! captures organist Jimmy Smith in a rare, extended live trio setting, a dynamic counterpoint to his more common studio quartet dates. The extended improvisations showcase his unparalleled command of the Hammond B3.
- The album was recorded live at theitaliano American Club in Los Angeles on December 17, 1957, though not released until 1959.
- The track "The Sermon" itself is a 20-minute-plus performance, featuring extended solos from Smith and guitarist Thornel Schwartz.
- This session was notable for featuring a stripped-down trio format with drums and guitar, rather than Smith's usual quartet.
Jimmy Smith is a pioneering jazz organist, widely credited with popularizing the Hammond B3 in the 1950s. The Sermon! was released at the peak of his early career, during a prolific period on the Blue Note label.
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