Dr. Lonnie Smith

The title of his debut on Palmetto Records, Too Damn Hot!, may serve as a caution for listeners to get ready for that groove. Featuring eight original compositions, Smith opens the CD with the down-home, second-line beat of “Norleans,” featuring Greg Hutchinson on drums. “Too Damn Hot” follows, with Rodney Jones adding to the groove on guitar and this time, Fukushi Tainaka on drums. “Back Track” hits a soul/groove stride before Smith heads into “The Whip,” which stirs things up with the help of Peter Bernstein’s guitar work. Smith slows things down on Horace Silver’s beautiful ballad, “Silver Serenade.” “Track 9” gathers the steam of a moving train while “One Cylinder” maintains a steady rhythm. Smith offers a second cover, “Someday My Prince Will Come,” before moving into the taunting melody of “Your Mama’s Got A Complex,” reminding fans that Smith began his career on vocals. He ends the disc with the church-like zeal of “Evil Turn.”

Dr. Lonnie Smith

Hammond B3, vocals

Peter Bernstein

guitar

Rodney Jones

guitar

Greg Hutchinson

drums

Fukushi Tainaka

drums