Jimmy Smith - The Sermon (1964)

BBC TV Jimmy Smith - Hammond Organ; Quentin Warren - guitar; Billy Hart - drums

[@timyarrow8844]

This was a treat! My wife long ago grew tired of me saying that the Hammond B3 organ is one of the coolest sounding instruments in blues or jazz ever created.

[@1mespud]

But it's true! And I'm a guitar player!😅

[@elderherrera2238]

Your wife needs to listen more. Jimmy Smith was always a blessing.

[@SayNmo]

I did not know who this man was until I joined the Army and was stationed in Long Beach,Ca in 1955. Wanting something to listen too I happen the find KKGO jazz station, Been hooked ever since. Jimmy Smith & Errol Garner were the first two I heard. I have been collecting Jazz music since 1955 and now have a total of over 700 albums not counting CD'S. I'm a true Jazz lover and listening now to KKjz in Long Beach and Jazz 24 the station we are all trying to save in Seattle.

[@8House]

You have no idea how much I wish there were more folks like you when it comes to musical tastes.

[@mackgrout]

Frank Robinson yes sir! I am just getting into Jimmy now but he's a baaaaad dude!

[@sluggo68]

I’d love to thumb through your collection.

[@michaeljenkins8635]

The same for me in Vietnam! He and Lee Morgan got me thru it!

[@socalangler4082]

I love kjazz I used to listen to that station when I used to live in socal

[@corpcoup]

There is a good reason why this song is named "The Sermon". Jimmy Smith basically defined the boundries and capabilities of the Hammond organ and set the bar extremely high for all jazz organists to follow. Jimmy Smith pioneered techniques and tricks that are still highly influential in the jazz organist world. Learning and playing Jimmy Smith songs is an essential for any aspiring jazz organist. Don't forget to check out organists Jack McDuff, Jimmy McGriff and Joey Defrancesco too !

[@velibor1234]

... and Larry Goldings !

[@georgerothel4208]

Jimmy will always be my Cat on that organ!!!

[@Uplifttherace]

Thank you for Posting this! My dad use to play this song all the time. The album version is almost 15-20 minutes long! Jimmy Smith is a legend! Thanks again!!!

[@barrymitchellretroman]

Such an important part of my musical education. In 1964 I was just 16 years old and this music still has so much magic and relevance for me. Thank you Jimmy.

[@Capillus]

I think Jimmy Smith has played an enormously important role in popularising jazz. He helped jazz reach wider audiences and provided aural delight for the average listener. This itself is really significant.

[@SayNmo]

One of the best. Love his music. He was one of the first jazz artist I heard in the 1950's that got me totally into jazz.

[@a.b.s_productions]

What did you listen to before jazz?

[@ZolaDots]

OMG! That Left Hand - Right Hand organ co-ordination! Not to mention the Left Foot!

[@IlarioSchanzer]

BEST HAMMOND PLAYER IN THE WORLD !!!

[@gsixties]

JIMMY SMITH - The GODFATHER of the Hammond B3 Groove!

[@taildragger53]

I have to keep coming back to this film. It's so powerful it exorcises demons! It's BEYOND cool. Just 3 guys, no fuss, no pretense, no auto tune gimmicks..the finest jazz sound from a Strat from Quentin. As Pat Martino said recently" We can try to learn jazz today BUT we can never recapture the surrounding culture, electric atmosphere, that was around in the 50s-60s"

[@rounder2u]

A truly great video! Great from start to finish and everyone swings, but I still would like to point out two extra outstanding parts: 1) The passage Jimmy plays between 2 min 54 sec and 3 min 13 sec. Flowing creativity and total control not bothered by the pressure of very high speed. True virtuosity! 2) The long masterly played right hand pedal tone solo (the thumb firmly planted at the F all the time) starting at 4 min 28 sec all the way to 6 min 55 sec. Thanks for sharing!

[@bobgure]

Great clip!! Oh, what a groove - sticky and deep. Wish Quentin's solo was longer; such great phrasing..i'm gonna have to memorize that solo on my strat (yes, strat.) Billy Hart really stirs the salad on this one, Goddamn!! Thanx for your great uploads!

[@hunkydorian]

Bridge pickup no less

[@cbs2don]

When I saw Jimmy Smith at The Lighthouse Cafe in Hermosa Beach during the 60's, I noticed that he had a series of custom switches attached to his B3 near the keyboard on the left. They allowed him to hold a chord while playing a solo. It was very effective and never duplicated, that I know of.

[@clintjones9848]

You don't need tricks to play chords while soloing on the Hammond, just use your foot to play bass instead of wasting your left hand on bass. You can't really hear left hand bass on recordings anyway.

[@cbs2don]

@@clintjones9848 it was a system where he could hold a particular chord while both hands and feet were used for a particular solo. It was amazing to see. He didn't use it for long and later discarded the switches.

[@johntechwriter]

PREACH that sermon! One thing Jimmy's imitators could never duplicate was the lightness and playfulness of his technique. When he played he was having fun and it showed. The art lies in concealing the art.

[@michaelyoung8864]

Great observation ... "The art lies in concealing the art". Thank you for putting it so well. And in respect of one of the greatest.

[@1mespud]

Hammond made the B3. But Jimmy Smith showed us all and the company itself how to fully utilize it.

[@thomasthabza6368]

One of my favorite artists ever walked on this planet, my his soul rest in peace

[@skaleewag]

This is the sh**t. Thanks Bob! As a Canadian, i feel that if America didn't have Africa in its soul, it would be sh**t. This is World Heritage. Thank you, solemnly, for making this and other treasures available to everyone.

[@leetomboulian]

Jimmy said in an interview he played bass lines with his LH and accents with the pedals.

[@VolkswagenNut1969]

Okay, true, the Strat doesn't sound like a Jazzbox, but it is just as capable at jazz as a JB, in the right hands. I think that's the point being made here. The thing that blows me away about this video is how fat and smooth a sound Quentin is getting using only the bridge pickup! This can only be achieved through a combination of picking technique, tone adjustments, and chord voicing. So like has been said, the player is what makes the difference much more than the instrument.

[@ODFGERTERS]

Wow, I have never seen anybody get a warm jazz tone from the bridge pick up of a strat before. He must have the treble on his amp at zero. Every time I have my guitar amps worked on I tell my tech that I want my guitar to sound like Jimmy Smith. Thanks for the upload.

[@ericnichols3252]

I love how the drummer is getting into it. No egos, just mutual admiration. Such a rare thing these days.

[@y34r]

can't stop listening , jimmy stahp plz

[@ggck.sounds]

goddam!! jimmy smith kills it

[@arteyhviahbadar5994]

This Sound Have Jimmy Smith Name On It! Every time I Hear This Sound I Recalls Jimmy Smith! Man, Play-That-Thang! GROVE-ON!

[@PepperWilliams_songcovers]

Hands down the G.O.A.T. of the organ! This has got to be one of Jimmy's greatest solos!

[@DetroitLives313]

I use to listen to this when my dad would play the album way back in the 60's . Thank you for sharing this. "I did not know this footage of the great Jimmy Smith existed.

[@wandahicks9509]

My dad had all Jimmy Smith ALBUMS

[@jazzfanjohn]

Thanks for posting it. Doing all that improvisation - and playing the bassline with his feet : Incredible! One of the most goosebumpy sounds in music.

[@mrgears]

I'm insane about masters of the Hammond B3 in rock , blues and jazz. I've been a staunch fan of Emerson and Lord for over 35 years but now that I hear Jimmy Smith, I can feel the actual soul of the instrument...... wow!

[@robbynwilliams3712]

In honor of my grandparents..Mr & Mrs Watkins, Lackawanna NY after leaving GA and PA..❤

[@fpzle]

this is the greatest jazz organist ever!!!the sweet sound of the boss(jimmy smith ) you are truly missed.

[@ElectronicsUSA]

Jimmy was one of the truly great innovators in Jazz history! Thanks bobjazz11 for posting these wonderful videos. Hopefully more people will discover, explore, and enjoy Jimmy and his great music from youtube videos like this.

[@stratoreverb]

thats amazing! its such a versatile axe man. I played a strat in the Laney College Jazz Ensemble in 1969-70. It did get a few concerned looks. LOL

[@jazzynet1]

My dad and his friends would be playing this stuff in the basement on their mono systems when we were kids. The women were upstairs snapping their fingers. Jimmy was a hero just like George Duke is a hero. Peace :)

[@bobbywatley]

It Don't get no better than this. His name is James Oscar Smith. This is the real deal. His feeling was IMPECCABLE. THERE WILL NEVER, EVER BE ANOTHER JIMMY SMITH. EVER! i"ve had the pleasure of seeing him live many times and he always played his ass off. . he is missed.

[@dc4u54]

I grew up on J.S. during the sixties while the folks were doing their thing. I thank my brother for introducing me to it. Luv u Jimmy.

[@Mark-vz9vg]

man alive!! this is amazing!!

[@lolinpinguin]

Thank you public radio for introducing me to such quality music!

[@itowedin]

There is so much to try and understand here. 3 guys just understanding, playing, and making a living at creating music at it's most visceral level. There is so much here.

[@BenSheltonMusic]

RIP Jimmy - a true legend. A friend of mine who plays organ got to meet him after a show. He asked Jimmy if he had any tips on things to do to improve his playing. Jimmy replied, "Quit. You'll never be as good as I am."

[@noahawk07]

Jimmy Smith is a TOTAL badass !! He's got soul and technique and just kix it everytime!!

[@Shinmeiryu]

I met a man at a Sam's club one time; square looking old white man, but he was looking at some Bob Marley CDs, and I said, "You like Marley?" He replied, "Hell yeah." And a conversation started, don't remember how it turned to Jimmy Smith, but he told me that he saw Jimmy in Chicago back in 1958, and said it was the one of the craziest shows he had ever seen. He was also the only white guy there, from what he told me, lol. I really got into Jimmy that day, not that I already wasn't.

[@amicodinessuno]

i once got into a taxi and the driver was listening to some jazz and i was asking him what he was listening to because i was blown away by the organ and guitar. he said jimmy smith and i was...ok. a few months later in a record store i saw something in the corner of my eye and that something was a jimmy smith record. since then my smith record collection is growing and growing...i just love that guy and his music, just wonderful

[@TheEDZEPPELINBAND]

give the drummer some, yall- this is great!

[@DennisCLatham]

Now That's Some REAL MUSIC RIGHT THERE !!!!!! THANK YA JESUS ..... Wooooooooo Hoooooooooooooooooooo - YEAH BABY !!!!!!!!

[@ralphsimmons227]

jimmy smith is the best organ played

[@mellotronage]

Jimmy Smith & George Duke, IMO both make it look effortless, natural.

[@montjcm]

Esse foi aquele quem me fez gamar pelo Hammond ... até hoje e , acredito que, para sempre ! This man was the one who made me love Hammond ... until today and, I believe, forever!

[@ralph0149]

I first got into Jimmy Smith when I was 11because the movie theater I used to go to played his stuff before the flicks came on (in the days of double and triple features). I probably got to know at least 5 or 6 of his tunes before I even knew who he was. Drove me nuts until somebody finally told me. This song was one of them. Decades later I'm listening on youtube and the floor ain't even sticky. Can't get that sound out of my mind. Don't want to.

[@arthurthroovest558]

That's really well put, Christina. This track in particular was the matrix all Hammond B3 players reflected all other Hammond playing in... if that makes sense. Often wondered how Jimmy's brain is wired? Genius

[@chalone2]

I did check out both of these groups. thanks for the heads up. and of course, always, thanks to you, Bob.

[@mypockets1]

The Best version of the Sermon IMHO

[@frankc32]

this is amazing. Just got clued in by an old friend, could not be happier to discover this ridiculous sh*t! Cheers! Paco

[@wintermoon1939]

maybe the most amazing B-3 video of all time, [although the 2 from Germany from this tour on KZbin are right up there] thanks for posting it bob. p.s. Quentin likely borrowed that guitar as well as the Vox amps you see. the trio was on tour in Europe that year. I'm guessing but he likley left his Gibson L-5 back in the states

[@checker764]

Bobjazz11, you are my hero! Thanks for all you do.

[@f001sg0ld]

so is this guitarist featured anywhere else in the world? lol hes incredible and i cant find him anywhere!!

[@raphaelroman7508]

Andres Garcia he's remained quiet since the 60s. decided to come home and live a "normal" life :)

[@stratoreverb]

Jimmy Smith is definitly one of the biggest Jazz Legends.

[@mrperryjthomas]

@monkeys350...Jimmy is playing the bass line with his feet. Before he came along,jazz organists..(if that tem existed before Jimmy),required a stand up double bass player in the band. Jimmy Smith only had a gutarist and drummer in his bands. Always a trio,never a quartet..unless a horn or two were recording or playing a date with him. The only organist to really do this as well as Smith,was Richard"Groove" Holmes.

[@topisantakivi1512]

Great stuff! Also adding this to the response list for when somebody says "you cant play jazz on a strat"

[@FUNKYWALT2]

the right guitar for the right sound is a must,but its all about touch that separates the men from the boys.

[@L33M_0]

Interesting to see him use a Stratecaster for jazz

[@keshavkannan9973]

Yes it is, but check out Wayne Krantz (also plays on a strat)

[@newpinglegend9304]

I can't say I know this player, but I figure he chose it for the context maybe. The organ occupies such a wide frequency range. I think it's a smart choice for the act.

[@hammondb333]

i appreciate the audio being in sync with the video thanks i can steal chops when everything is insync

[@gnr2391]

Stupid question, but is Quentin Warren still alive? I cant find any info on this highly underrated guitar player! Couldn't solo like Wes, Benson, or Martino, but damn did he know his role as a rhythm instrument! My teacher recommends him over anyone to know how to comp with an organ. He could really "propel" the rhythm for Jimmy's solos.

[@raphaelroman7508]

Jonathan Shmulovich alive and well :)

[@williewynn2029]

Yeah back on the road again this remind me of trips in and out of Canada good stuff good stuff good stuff love you

[@bobjazz11]

@pzcato He's playing the root with his foot and the rest of the bass line with his left hand

[@ambushIV]

Reminds me of growing up and my Dad would play Jimmy Smith records all day! Mind you I am only 25....I guess he had to teach me early what good music was.

[@etnikgrounds]

i recently picked up Jimmy Smith & Wes Montgomery's LP - The Dynamic Duo and automatically fell in love with Jimmy on the organs and no that is not Wes on the guitar

[@nickfanzo]

Im back two years later. Still awesome blues

[@organham]

That sound and the way he plays those chords into solos!!!!! Nobody can do it the way Jimmy Smith did it. Lets all keep trying.

[@theHellzaPoppinjazz4u]

just superb. thank you Bob.

[@donahue2011]

Great tune! My head won't stop wiggling.

[@bobjazz11]

@Chopin389 I agree - In fact I find this whole 'guitar' thing extraordinary!! Having said that, some of the folk who comment here are so very clearly 'way up their own behinds' that they provide me with few laughs - so I leave the comments up! I once did a gig with B B King and he came to the soundcheck (something he normally never does), he picked up a Fender Strat and he sounded EXACTLY the same as if he were playing 'Lucille'!!

[@RICHIEBSQUI]

Simply brilliant - the master is in great form.

[@JazzyZenBrotha]

Excellent music right here. Jimmy Smith has great chops on that organ.

[@pierrelowe405]

We were fresh teenagers and wanted to be cool like the big cats. Man we jumped on Jimmy and Wes... I was lucky. The bar next door had a fabulous Juke Box. Red had every body into Jazz and Hip music pouring out his magic Juke Box all day and night. All the greats. It was the, "Hobby Horse."

[@skaleewag]

Jimmy was a genius - what an era! Thanks Bob

[@letebaguere]

true statement, except for the details. The bass line is in fact played by his left hand, but his feet do not just play "around Bb"- what they usually do is just play the root of the chord for the particular measure. still revolutionary though; and while everyone mentions jimmy smith's feet, what always blows me away is the unbelievable virtuosity of his right hand. too crazy.

[@Gruvdigger]

Jimmy Smith - legendary talent. He can really make that old B-3 cry and sing and wail.

[@DiamondSoul]

I wish music was still like this. All you have these days are morons dressing up like its Halloween and attempting to look dark and mysterious with no talent and voice auto tunes... Jimmy Smith rocks, and what a great collaboration of talent!

[@DiamondSoul]

Quentin Warren is incredible here.

[@MrKommunityFK]

LONG LIVE JIMMY SMITH. 1 ov my personal true inspirations.

[@Ric277]

I really like this tune. especially the pedal bass. A lost art learned playing church organs where you were on you own and had to know all the boards and all the stops.

[@TallSomeone]

The real deal, all the way around. Quentin Warren is all over it.

[@Capillus]

Wow! Jimmy's cookin'! Never gotten to see Quentin Warren before, I could imagine you could get a jazzy sound from a Fender Stratocaster! Yep, it's Billy Hart on drums. Bailey is credited probably 'cause he was a frequent member of Jimmy Smith's combo at the time.

[@christianbie8593]

je 'ai vu à l'Olympia à Paris dans les années 65 ! Epoustoufflant.

[@poppacraw]

you're right , jimmy was an innovator. and seems to be the first to cross over into general popularity...his mentor and inspiration was wild bill davis, the first guy to actually swing the hammond organ--on youtube somewhere. when i record with the hammond xk1 ( i'm mainly a guitarist), i just put it on the "jimmy" setting...sounds so cool, hits all the right tones, wildcat screaming on the high end and subtle cushion on the low end. jimmy found that perfect sound.

[@zenbooter]

my mother played piano and organ in church and you know I always had this feeling there was more to that organ, lol.

[@BNforever2009]

My father has the original album--that was a long song--the whole one side of that record!!!

[@bobgure]

You said it! The groove is a-swaggerin' and killin' indeed.

[@organham]

To all you players out there, this is what its all about. The chords ,the solos.Why we keep on trying to get better!!!

[@HyenaStudios]

Orgasm on a Hammond organ. Nice music! Unfortunately, Quentin 'forgot' to use a Gibson E-Guitar (LP or EG) ... we are in 1964, aren't we? Anyway, thumbs up!

[@jasongogal]

He plays some really badass stuff. What does it matter if he is playing a Strat or a ukelele? It is awesome.

[@bobjazz11]

Nailed it! Bob

[@MrGotac]

Superb performance.

[@dagostinoification]

I have playing with Rhoda Scott :a great Artist organist... I love the Art of Jimmy Smith !

[@bobjazz11]

didier d'agostino I have a copy of the video of that set you did with Rhoda :-) ... I'll be uploading some of it this week

[@dagostinoification]

Bonjour, cher Bob ! dois-je comprendre que vous avez une vidéo ou je joue avec Rhoda Scott ? sI OUI ? CE SERAIT FORMIDABLE DE me l'envoyer ! Par n'importe quel moyen ! Et je vous en serait très reconnaissant ! Merci de me dire cela ! Mes amitiés !

[@theHellzaPoppinjazz4u]

+didier d'agostino ???? vous plaisantez ou je ne vous suis pas des masses...vous avez joué avec Rhoda Scott ???? si c'est le cas, je vous en félicite. respect.

[@dagostinoification]

Bonjour , oui j'ai joué avec Rhoda Scott sur pas mal de dates en 1992 ! On avait commençés par un remplacement de son batteur à Val d 'isere pour une promo de l'album de Rachel Ferrel , il y avait Michel Legrand (fort sympathique avec moi d'ailleur ) Eddie Barclay ! et ensuite on a fait 14 dates au bilboquet rue saint Benoit bd.St Germain à Paris , puis Agen, Festival de jazz de Munster de Michel Hausser, puis d'autres dates dont le pavillon Baltard...Une sacrée belle expérience ! Une grande dame , tant musicalement que humainement...Grand souvenir, j'ai eu la chance de jouer avec quelquefois des super musiciens dont Guy N'Sangué (basse avec Jean Luc Ponty actuellement) Etienne M'Bappe (avec John Mc Laughlin actuellement 4e.dimension ) Thierry Mineau (a joué avec Billy Cobham ) et beaucoup d'autres..dans plein de styles différents.si vous êtes musiciens pourquoi pas un jour faire le boeuf ? Mes amitiés !

[@theHellzaPoppinjazz4u]

l'avis d'un pro. j'aime ;)

[@Shinmeiryu]

It's a goddamn shame Quentin Warren is so obscure. He only appeared on a handful of records.

[@reynaldomadridi7238]

@ 3:41-3:51....he shifts into another dimension! Extraordinary talent!

[@reynaldomadridi7238]

Stills cooks....56 yrs....later! Amazing....talents! Everybody in the pocket....baby! 5:20 - 6:30

[@myellis100]

Jimmy Smith is one of the Greatest Jazz Legends of all times. Bro. Michael L Ellis

[@RoyceDHairston7]

Reminds me on my childhood and dancing with my daddy and mom!