One of the most creative and funkiest organists of all time, Lonnie Smith was first introduced to Blue Note listeners by standout sideman appearances with saxophonist Lou Donaldson who featured the B3 virtuoso on late-1960s soul jazz classics including Alligator Bogaloo, Mr. Shing-a-Ling, and Midnight Creeper. Smith went on to lead his own excellent Blue Note dates including his label debut Think! (1968) and Turning Point (1969). As the calendar turned to 1970, he was back in Van Gelder Studio on January 2 to record Drives, a showcase of the organist’s unparalleled sense of adventure and indomitable groove. With a sturdy 5-piece band featuring Dave Hubbard on tenor saxophone, Ronnie Cuber on baritone saxophone, Larry McGee on guitar, and Joe Dukes on drums, Smith delivers a dynamic program including funky takes on recent hits like Edwin Starr’s “Twenty-Five Miles” and Blood, Sweat & Tears’ “Spinning Wheel,” as well as a fleet version of Miles Davis’ “Seven Steps to Heaven” full of twists and turns.
