Press Release :
Jimmy Smith made the organ an essential part of modern-jazz combo. In his early years in New York, his lightning-fast approach defined the instrument's role with unprecedented success.

On this album, which augured his West Coast years, Smith brings the same raw soul to the music while he indoctrinates a new generation of LA-based rhythm support. They show that they can go to the source, playing three Smith originals. But they also deliver some of thier own funk.

The tune "Root Down" points in the direction of Smith's origins. And it has endured, being interpreted most famously by the Beastie Boys in 1994.

Jimmy Smith : Organ
Arthur Adams : Guitar
Wilton Felder : Bass
Buck Clarke : Congas, Percussion
Paul Humphrey : Drums
Steve Williams : Harmonica

Original release produced by Eric Miller
Executive Producer: Eddie Ray
Recorded February 8, 1972 at the Bombay Bicycle Club, Los Angeles
Tracks 1-6 original LP issue: Root Down Verve V6-8806
Track 7 previously unissued
Tracks 1,4 and 6 are issued here in thier entirety for the first time
All performances were shortened by editing for the original LP issue
Tracks 2,3, and 5 are edited here as they were on the original LP.