The title of this compilation tries to make
Montgomery viable for a younger generation, but it's not exactly "acid jazz." Rather, it's an anthology of some of
Montgomery's better pop- and soul-oriented material from the mid-'60s. The 16 tracks show
Montgomery in both orchestral and small combo settings, a few cuts taken from his collaborations with
Jimmy Smith. Purists have long disdained this phase of
Montgomery's career. But those who don't measure work by how straight-ahead it is will find much to enjoy here, in either the cuts with
Oliver Nelson's orchestra, or the less elaborate sessions with the likes of
Smith,
Grady Tate,
Ron Carter, and
Ray Barretto. ~ Richie Unterberger