Jimmy Smith’s ‘Softly As A Summer Breeze’ Returns in Audiophile Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition

Few artists transformed the sound of jazz as profoundly as Jimmy Smith. During the final week of February 1958, the groundbreaking Hammond B3 organ virtuoso entered Manhattan Towers studio in New York City and embarked on what would become one of the most productive recording sessions of his remarkable career.

Over the course of just two days, Smith recorded enough material for three albums: House Party, The Sermon, and Softly As A Summer Breeze. While the first two releases quickly found their audience, Softly As A Summer Breeze remained in the vault for several years before finally seeing release in 1965. Today, the album is celebrated as one of the finest examples of Smith’s mastery of the organ trio format.

The sessions captured Smith working with two different ensembles, each bringing its own distinctive character to the music. On four tracks, he is joined by acclaimed guitarist Kenny Burrell and legendary drummer Philly Joe Jones, whose dynamic interplay provides the perfect backdrop for Smith’s soulful improvisations. The remaining selections feature guitarist Eddie McFadden and drummer Donald Bailey, another rhythm section that helped define many of Smith’s classic Blue Note recordings.

The album showcases Smith’s ability to breathe new life into jazz standards while maintaining his unmistakable groove-driven style. Performances of “These Foolish Things,” “It Could Happen To You,” “Sometimes I’m Happy,” and “Someone To Watch Over Me” demonstrate his lyrical side, balancing technical brilliance with emotional depth. The set also includes a spirited interpretation of Thelonious Monk’s “Hackensack,” along with Smith’s own composition, “One For Philly Joe,” a tribute to the celebrated drummer who contributed so much to the session’s energy and swing.

What makes Softly As A Summer Breeze particularly compelling is the effortless chemistry between the musicians. Smith’s innovative organ work serves as both harmonic foundation and melodic centerpiece, while the guitars and drums provide subtle yet powerful support. The result is a recording that captures the vitality of late-1950s jazz while highlighting the revolutionary role Smith played in elevating the Hammond B3 organ from a novelty instrument to a cornerstone of modern jazz.

Now, the album is receiving the premium treatment as part of the acclaimed Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series. This stereo, all-analog edition has been mastered directly from the original master tapes by renowned engineer Kevin Gray and pressed on high-quality 180-gram vinyl at Optimal. The release offers listeners the opportunity to experience the warmth, depth, and immediacy of these historic recordings with exceptional sound quality.

More than six decades after the music was recorded, Softly As A Summer Breeze remains a shining example of Jimmy Smith’s artistry and influence. Whether you're a longtime Blue Note collector or discovering his music for the first time, this new vinyl edition serves as a reminder of why Smith remains one of the most important figures in jazz history.

Track Listing

Side A

1. These Foolish Things
2. Hackensack
3. It Could Happen To You

Side B

1. Sometimes I'm Happy
2. Someone To Watch Over Me
3. Home Cookin'

With its blend of swing, soul, and impeccable musicianship, Softly As A Summer Breeze continues to stand as an essential chapter in the Jimmy Smith story and a worthy addition to any jazz vinyl collection.