Jimmy Smith's virtuoso improvisation technique helped to popularise the electric organ as a jazz and blues instrument. Smith was a major influence on many pianists, as well as the entire Acid Jazz movement, and more recent artists such as The Beastie Boys and Medeski, Martin & Wood and The Hayden-Eckert Ensemble. This 4CD boxed set contains 33 fine examples from Smith's early career from 1956-57, accompanied by, amongst others, jazz greats such as Donald Byrd, Lou Donaldson, Art Blakey and Kenny Burrell.