Lonnie Smith Finger Lickin Good (Smoke)

Limited edition of 750 numbered copies on smoke coloured 180-gram audiophile vinyl. Lonnie Smith (1942 - 2021), was an American jazz organist. He was part of several vocal ensembles in the 1950s, including the Teen Kings which included Grover Washington Jr. Art Kubera, the owner of a local music store, gave Smith his first organ, a Hammond B3. Smith's affinity for R&B mixed with his own personal style as he became active in the local music scene. In 1965 he met guitarist George Benson. The two connected on a personal level and formed the George Benson Quartet, featuring Lonnie Smith, in 1966. After two albums under Benson's leadership, Smith recorded his first solo album 'Finger Lickin' Good (Soul Organ)' with George Benson and Melvin Sparks on guitar, Ronnie Cuber on baritone sax, and Marion Booker on drums. This combination remained stable for the next five years. After recording several albums with Benson, Smith became a solo recording artist and subsequently recorded over 30 albums under his own name. Numerous prominent jazz artists joined Smith on his albums and in his live performances, including Lee Morgan, David "Fathead" Newman, King Curtis, Blue Mitchell, and Joe Lovano. The album 'Finger Lickin' Good (Soul Organ)' showcases Lonnie Smith's virtuosity and his innovative approach on the organ, with tracks that feature intricate solos and groovy rhythms so typical of the soul jazz and jazz funk genres. Lonnie Smith was named 9 times "the best organist of the year" by the Jazz Journalists Association.