Live at Smalls

Probably best known for his work with soul/rnb acts like Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Amy Winehouse, and Al Green, Ian Hendrickson-Smith uses this recording as a platform to exhibit just how effectively a jazz musician can incorporate his experiences outside of the jazz world into a set that is centered around improvisation. Listeners will no doubt draw parallels between Ian's concept and those of Eddie Harris, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, and Lou Donaldson, however at times the preference of acoustic piano over soul-jazz organ serves to distance Hendrickson-Smith from that tradition as well as to reaffirm his jazz roots. While most of the record relies on danceable grooves to keep you going, the standout track is the slow, contemplative "Butterbean." Beautiful record!