Johnny Smith - Plays The Songbook Of Jimmy Van Heusen

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Review by Chelsea Oscapinski

Johnny Smith’s Plays The Songbook Of Jimmy Van Heusen – A Timeless Jazz Gem Released in 1963 under the Royal Roost label, Johnny Smith’s Plays The Songbook Of Jimmy Van Heusen is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. It doesn’t shout for attention but instead wraps itself around your ears like a warm, smoky hug. This record feels like an intimate late-night session at some hidden jazz club where everyone knows the bartender by name. The lineup here is tight: George Roumanis on bass, Gerry Segal keeping time on drums, and Bob Panecoast laying down smooth piano lines. But it’s Johnny Smith’s guitar work that steals the show—clean, precise, and dripping with emotion. You can tell these guys weren’t just playing notes; they were telling stories. Now, let me zoom in on two tracks that stuck with me long after the needle lifted off the vinyl (or, you know, after I hit pause). First up, “But Beautiful.” Man, this tune hits different. There’s something about how Smith teases out each note, lingering just enough to make you feel every ounce of longing in the melody. Paired with Roumanis’ steady basslines, it creates this hypnotic groove that pulls you right into its world. By the end, you’re not sure if you’ve been sitting still or floating somewhere else entirely. Then there’s “Darn That Dream,” which might as well come with a warning label: “May cause excessive daydreaming.” The interplay between Smith’s guitar and Panecoast’s piano is pure magic—they’re having a conversation without saying a word. Every chord feels like a sigh, every riff like a shrug. It’s bittersweet perfection, leaving you both satisfied and craving more. What makes this album stand out isn’t just the skill of the musicians—it’s the vibe. Listening to it feels like stepping back into 1963 America, when jazz was the soundtrack of rebellion and romance all rolled into one. And yeah, maybe it’s nostalgia talking, but tracks like “Imagination” and “It Could Happen To You” remind you why Jimmy Van Heusen’s songwriting has stood the test of time. Here’s the thing though—while most jazz albums from this era feel like museum pieces, Plays The Songbook Of Jimmy Van Heusen refuses to collect dust. It’s alive, breathing, and waiting for someone to rediscover it. Honestly? If Johnny Smith were still around today, I’d bet he’d laugh hearing people call his music “classic.” To him, it was probably just another night playing tunes he loved. So do yourself a favor: grab a copy of this album, pour yourself a drink, and let these songs wash over you. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself humming “Polka Dots And Moonbeams” for days.

Download Johnny Smith - Plays The Songbook Of Jimmy Van Heusen
Artist: Johnny Smith
Album: Plays The Songbook Of Jimmy Van Heusen
Rating: 4.5

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: johnny-smith-plays-the-songbook-of-jimmy-van-heusen.zip
  • MP3 size: 76.8 mb
  • FLAC size: 598.8 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Deep In A Dream2:47
I Thought About You2:10
Oh You Crazy Moon2:32
So Help Me2:50
It Could Happen To You2:04
Nancy3:11
But Beautiful2:48
Darn That Dream3:28
Swinging On A Star2:50
Imagination2:33
Polka Dots And Moonbeams2:41
I Could Have Told You2:47

Video

Polka Dots and Moonbeams་1 / Johnny Smith

Images

last ned album Johnny Smith - Plays The Songbook Of Jimmy Van Heusen

Catalog Numbers

SLP 2250

Labels

Royal Roost

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Formats

  • Vinyl
  • LP
  • Stereo

Credits

RoleCredit
BassGeorge Roumanis
DrumsGerry Segal
PianoBob Panecoast

Notes

Title on spine: "Johnny Smith Plays The Music Of Jimmy Van Heusen"

Barcodes

  • Matrix / Runout (Side A): SLP 2250 A-1B
  • Matrix / Runout (Side B): SLP 2250 B-1-B

About Johnny Smith

American jazz guitarist and songwriter. Composer of "Walk, Don't Run". b.: June 25, 1922 in Birmingham, AL d.: June 11, 2013 in Colorado Springs, CO

Real Name

    • John Henry Smith
    • Jr.

Name Vars

  • H.J Smith
  • J Smith
  • J. H. Smith Jr.
  • J. Smith
  • J. Smith, Jr.
  • J.H. Smith, Jr
  • J.H. Smith, Jr.
  • J.S.
  • J.Smith
  • Jimmy Smith
  • John H. Smith Jr
  • John H. Smith Jr.
  • John H. Smith, Jr.
  • John Henry Smith
  • John Smith
  • John Smith Jr.
  • Johnny H. Smith Jr.
  • Jonnes
  • Jonny Smith
  • Sir John Gasser
  • Sir Jonathan Gasser
  • Smith
  • Smith Jr
  • Smith Jr.
  • ٤ࢨല

Aliases

  • Sir Jonathan Gasser

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s something cool: The album *Plays The Songbook Of Jimmy Van Heusen* by Johnny Smith is a hidden gem in the jazz world. Released in 1963, it features smooth tracks like "But Beautiful" and "Darn That Dream." What makes it special? It’s not just Johnny’s guitar skills that shine—credit goes to the whole band, including George Roumanis on bass and Gerry Segal on drums. Fun fact: Jimmy Van Heusen, the songwriter behind these tunes, also wrote hits for Frank Sinatra. So, this album feels like a tribute to timeless melodies.

Comments

blogdalaura12
blogdalaura12
2025-03-15
Real no nonsence playing.
Pure guitar.
yesthisagain
yesthisagain
2025-03-14
My Dad used to play this album. I would listen listen listen.
supab345t
supab345t
2025-03-14
have not seen that cover before. as allways the very best of playing by the great Johnny Smith guitarman1943
sripratiwii
sripratiwii
2025-03-14
Great .I lost this album !!
ismaelsantos504038890
ismaelsantos504038890
2025-03-13
wonderful : )