Don Gardner

Legendary Bop Rhythm & Blues C Don Gardner

These rare sides from Don Gardner and the Sonotones recorded in the mid 1950's mark the first studio recordings of famed jazz organist Jimmy Smith. At this point in time Jimmy Smith was a full-fledged member of the Sonotones, led by vocalist Don Gardner who was something of a fixture around the local Philly music scene. Gardner was a singing drummer that supported Smith's organ-bass as the metronomic foundation, with saxophonist Al Cass rounding out the trio. Some selections feature a Freddie Green style guitar player who remains unidentified. Don Gardner had his biggest successes in the early 1960's when he teamed with vocalist Dee Dee Ford and scored a top 20 hit with "I Need Your Lovin'" in 1962. All selections newly re-mastered