The Cat

Jazz purists might sniff at its more commercially-leaning exploits, but The Cat is still one of Hammond organ maestro Jimmy Smith’s most enjoyable records. By 1964 Smith had swapped Blue Note for Verve and Lalo Schifrin’s big band arrangements here give an uptown swing to Smith’s joyous playing. Yes, its edges are smooth, but Smith’s B3 grooves and virtuosic razzle-dazzle remain a by-word for early 60s cool and sophistication, even on the points where it sounds like a record Austin Powers might stick on to get a party started.