Face To Face

VINYL FORMAT. Although not as well known as label mate Jimmy Smith, Baby Face Willette's (1933-1971) contribution to the jazz organ should not be overlooked. In fact, his 1961 debut on Blue Note, Face To Face -- featuring Fred Jackson on tenor sax and Ben Dixon on drums (both unsung heroes of jazz) and the great Grant Green on guitar -- is an amazingly groovy soul jazz affair with Smith proving that he isn't afraid to get downright funky on the Hammond B-3 (check out 'Something Strange' and 'Goin Down' for proof). Of the album's six tracks, five are Willette's own compositions.