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Lonnie Smith Press Photo
Lonnie Smith Press Photo

Jazz Organ Legend Lonnie Smith Announces New LP ft. Robert Glasper

Lenny Kravitz, Grace Jones, Lauryn Hill, Lion Babe, Thundercat, SZA & More Rock The Afropunk Festival 2015 in Brooklyn, NY.

With all of this ongoing A Tribe Called Quest hubbub, it's only proper that today, of all days, jazz organ legend Lonnie Smith has announced his first Blue Note album in 45 years. The man behind Drives, and thus, the drum break that made "Can I Kick It?" and "Buggin' Out" possible is coming back with Evolution, an album that features special guests Robert Glasper and saxophonist Joe Lovano (the latter of which made his own recorded debut on Smith's Afrodesia). Lonnie Smith's new band--also dubbed Evolution--will perform at the 2016 Winter Jazzfest this coming January, and a fresh batch of tour dates will be arriving soon, Okayplayer has learned.

Making tones for Blue Note for the first time since 1970, Smith's new record will represent the newest installment in a career built of consistent tastefulness. The extent of Robert Glasper's involvement in Evolution (both the album and the band) has yet to be determined, but it's safe to say we have our fingers crossed that it will be more than just a one-track affair. Keep an eye and ear out for more from this Hammond B-3 legend--and for the hell of it, listen to Smith's classics "I Want To Thank You" and "Spinning Wheel" below. That drum break!

p.s. If you're in need of an even more in-depth refresher on Mr. Smith, this playlist will school you up just right.