Blue Note Records has announced its Classic Vinyl Series picks for December 2025, and one of the highlights is Jimmy Smith’s House Party. This album, originally released in the late 1950s, features the legendary jazz organist leading an all-star lineup of musicians. The vinyl release is set for December 12.
This edition of House Party is a stereo, all-analog pressing, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal. On this album, Smith showcases his incredible skills on the Hammond B3 in a lively session that blends bebop, blues, and jazz standards. He is joined by notable artists like Lee Morgan on trumpet, Curtis Fuller on trombone, Lou Donaldson and George Coleman on alto sax, Tina Brooks on tenor sax, Kenny Burrell and Eddie McFadden on guitar, and Art Blakey and Donald Bailey on drums.
The title House Party perfectly captures the relaxed, jam-session vibe of the album. Smith’s energetic playing and the powerful sound of the organ create a strong foundation for inspiring solos from his bandmates.
Following House Party, Smith released The Sermon! in 1959, which was recorded during two sessions in 1957 and 1958. This was his 15th release on Blue Note. Smith got his first B3 organ in 1953 and spent hours learning how to master it, even creating a chart to help him navigate the pedals.
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