In the Beginning, Vol. 1 & 2

As time marches on, Dr. Lonnie Smith is alone at the pinnacle of Hammond B3 players. Here he strolls down memory lane, but this isn’t a reissue. Instead, the organist has re-recorded his original compositions, from such ‘60s classics as Finger Lickin’ Good, Think!, Turning Point, and Move Your Hand. Recent years have found the master typically leading excellent if conventional trios (with organ, guitar, and drums). But this live-in-the-studio recording (with an audience!) features an octet, including three saxophones, a trumpet horn section, and a percussionist thrown in for good measure. This augmentation works well. The two drummers lock into a series of deep grooves, while the horns nail their charts and offer fine solos. Of course, the man of the hour is Smith, who at 71 sounds great; his highly developed ear for phrasing, drama, and texture creates more than simple organ grooves. Highlights include “Psychedelic Pi,” “Aw Shucks," and “Move Your Hand,” but each track has much to offer.