32. Booker T & The MGs - Green Onions

Release Date: 1962
Label: Stax

Most people are aware of Booker T & The MGs because of the title-track on this album, me included. And that is a bad thing because it means they're probably not familiar with the rest of the tracks on here (unless they've heard the original/cover versions with vocals. Out of the current crop of instrumental albums that I'm working my way through, this is by far my favourite. At under 3 minutes, none of the songs outstay their welcome and some of them even sound like they belong to the fairground.

Overall: 8/10
Favourite Track: One Who Really Loves You

28. Jimmy Smith - Back At The Chicken Shack

Release Date: 1960

Label: Blue Note

The front cover is terrible, and sadly the dog is long dead. Going into this I'd never heard of Jimmy Smith, and the album art does nothing to suggest what kind of music he might perform. To put it simply, the album was smooth. It mainly consisted of lots and lots of Hammond Organ, hi-hats and bass scales. That's not to say I didn't like it, in fact I rather enjoyed it. I just think it was a little linear for my taste.

Overall: 6/10

Favourite Track: When I Grow Too Old To Dream

Next Album: Muddy Waters - Muddy Waters At Newport