Terry Smith Fall Out CD

Best known as lead guitarist with jazz-rock legends If, Terry Smith is one of the great unsung British guitarists. Named best jazz guitarist in 1968's Melody Maker poll, he made this ultra-rare solo debut the same year. Produced by his friend Scott Walker, it's a masterful mixture of standards and originals, featuring top jazz musicians such as Kenny Wheeler, Harry South, Gordon Beck and Ray Warleigh. Available on CD for the first time in 2006, it comes complete with rare photographs and comprehensive liner notes.

Personnel: Roy Willox (flute, alto saxophone); Ronnie Ross (baritone saxophone); Greg Bowen, Les Condon, Tony Fisher , Derek Watkins (trumpet); Don Lusher (trombone); Bob Stuckley (organ); Jim Lawless (vibraphone, marimba); Chris Karan, Ronny Stephenson (drums); Ray Warleigh (flute, alto saxophone); Kenny Wheeler (trumpet, flugelhorn); Gordon Beck (piano); Harry South.
Recording information: Stanhope Place Studios, London, England (1968).
Arrangers: Harry South; Jimmy Deuchar.
Terry Smith's rare late-'60s LP was an accomplished set that showcased his fluid, modern bop-influenced jazz guitar in both big band and small combo settings. Smith plays much in the style of American guitarists working in similar territory during the period, such as Wes Montgomery and Grant Green. The arrangements and playing by the backing musicians on this album, recorded in London, are a little stiffer than what you'll hear on most U.S. sessions, but they get the job done tastefully enough. The vibe gets a little more uninhibited on the two tracks featuring just Smith, organist Bob Stuckley, and drummer Chris Karen. As those two tracks ("Fall Out" and "Early Morning Groove") are the only two Smith originals, one suspects that this is the kind of material that was closest to his heart at the time. Otherwise most of the record is given to interpretations of standards, including "My Man's Gone Now," Cole Porter's "I Love You," and the Bacharach-David compositions "The Look of Love" and "Windows of the World." While pop star Scott Walker produced, there's no strong resemblance between this and the music Walker was recording at the time, though Walker did make suggestions regarding the material. ~ Richie Unterberger