Liner Notes

The sessions that produced the two albums House Party and The Sermon! strove for the best of both worlds by bringing the unbridled energy of a live blowing session into Manhattan Tower Studio where engineer Rudy Van Gelder could capture the proceedings with sterling sound quality. Recorded on August 25, 1957 and February 25, 1958, The Sermon! comprises three extended workouts enlivened by a stellar cast of musicians including trumpeter Lee Morgan , alto saxophonists Lou Donaldson and George Coleman , tenor saxophonist Tina Brooks , guitarists Kenny Burrell and Eddie McFadden , and drummers Art Blakey and Donald Bailey .

The opening title track is a down-home blues that finds a deep pocket and fills the entirety of Side 1, while the flipside kicks into high gear with the brisk minor-key original “J. O. S.” before slowing down for a stunning ballad performance of “Flamingo” showcasing Morgan.

After he discovered Jimmy Smith in 1956, Blue Note founder Alfred Lion recorded the Hammond B3 organ master frequently in various settings including studio and live dates.