Search - Johnny Smith :: Walk Don't Run

The Legend of Smith

Suva De | 09/22/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Johnny Smith a few years was essentially a forgotten man. Not well known amongst jazz guitarists, let alone the wider jazz community, a few years ago the vast majority of this man's work was out of print. Thankfully, all that is changing with releases such as this. 'Walk, don't run!' proves why Smith has been held in awe by his peers and fans alike and bears testimony to why he is regarded as one of the foremost post Charlie Christian guitarists. From the lightning fast runs of 'What's New' and 'Lover Man' to the chordal sophistication of 'Sophisticated Lady' and the boppish lines of 'I'll remember April' and ''S Wonderful', Smith was the complete musician. He has often been described as a 'scientist' because of the precision with which he plays; but don't let that put you off: his music is anything but cerebral. It's just that Smith had the most prodigious technique to express anything he wanted to with a beautiful, poetic tone: an artist and scientist in equal measure.



If you are a fan of jazz guitar this recording is essential. If you are a fan of jazz this record is still essential. For those of you who feel perhaps that the guitar still doesn't 'cut it' like horns do, an anecdote: when Smith played at Birdland, Bird himself was one of Smith's biggest fans, consistently sitting near the front listening intently to Smith. That in itself should be good enough recommendation to buy this."

The original "Walk, don't run"

Christoph K. Bennett | United States | 07/29/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Until this CD came out last summer you had to either buy the Mosaic 8 disc set or the Japanese release of Kaleidoscope to hear Johnny play "Walk, don't run." Well, now you can hear it and it, alone, is worth the price of the disc. After hearing Johnny's version it's amazing how simple the Ventures' version seems. Even the great Chet Atkins played WDR for Johnny one time and Johnny graciously started playing along and Chet was speechless. Everything else is great on this disc too. Johnny Smith is legendary among jazz guitarists. Deservedly so. His chords and voicings are unlike anyone else. Then his single note lines are so fluid but musical. This is a great place to start listening to Johnny and also the Moonlight in Vermont CD, as well as Legends. Perhaps the greatest thing about Johnny is at the height of his popularity he gave it all up and left NYC to take care of his daughter after his wife's death. He never regretted it he says. You have, then, a music legend with the right priorities. A true class act. What will be really great is if Verve will ever put out their Johnny Smith CD (with his Gibson model on the cover)or someone will release his solo album, "The Man with the Blue Guitar" on CD."

Great recording, great artist

K. Pelletier | Albuquerque, NM | 09/30/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I mainly bought this CD to hear the original recording of "Walk Don't Run." Johnny Smith wrote it, Chet Atkins covered it, etc. For those of us who only ever heard the Ventures' version, it is a revelation that this was originally a jazz tune.



Oh yeah, the rest of the CD is excellent. Johnny Smith has very few recordings available, to my knowledge. I encourage all students and/or admirers of fine, melodic playing to seek out all of them."