Music Monday: Summer is for Soul Jazz

For some reason, when I put on music in the summer, I don’t want something that is too demanding, but I do want something that is good. This often draws me to soul jazz playlist, particularly the mid- to late-1960s offerings of Blue Note (and when I feel a bit more polished, CTI). Yesterday, for example, I enjoyed Dr. Lonnie Smith’s 1969 album, which has a fantastic cover and features Smith (on organ, of course), Lee Morgan, Julian Priester, guitarist Melvin Sparks (who I think brings a grittier, more late-1960s guitar to Grant Green lines), Bennie Maupin (!!), and Leo Morris on drums. With Smith on the organ, no bass is required. There’s a good bit of relaxed improvising on this album over deep grooves. I’ve started to get into Stanley Turrentine (if you’re going to listen to summertime soul jazz, you’re going to listen to Turrentine). I hadn’t listened to his 1970 date with CTI, Sugar. Turrentine is joined by George Benson, Freddie Hubbard, Lonnie Liston Smith (not the Dr.) on…