“Root Down” (1972) by Jimmy Smith is a high-energy live album that captures the legendary organist at his soulful best. Recorded February 8, 1972, in Los Angeles, this LP features Smith's masterful improvisation and electrifying jazz-funk grooves. With tracks like "Root Down," and “Sagg Shootin’ His Arrow,“ the album blending jazz, soul, and R&B in a way that was groundbreaking for its time. The live setting allows the musicians to truly shine, with tight, dynamic performances from Smith and his band, including notable contributions from guitarist Arthur Adams and drummer Paul Humphrey, Wilton Felder on bass, Buck Clarke on congas & percussion and Steve Williams on harmonica. The album is recorded under supervision of Eric Miller and produced by Eddy Ray. “Root Down” is a must-have for fans of jazz and funk, offering a raw, unfiltered experience of one of the genre’s greats at the peak of his powers. The album’s infectious rhythms and tight interplay make it a timeless classic in the world of live jazz recordings.