Sean Smith: Poise

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

Recent articles (1,629 total)

Published: January 1, 2002

Bassist/composer, Sean Smith has been the accompanist of choice for vocalists, Mark Murphy, Rosemary Clooney and Peggy Lee while also performing with saxophonist, Lee Konitz, and a host of others. However, Smith also shines as a thoughtful bandleader and composer, evidenced here on his second group led recording.

On this release, pianist, Bill Charlap, and guitarist, Keith Ganz contribute their able talents to selected tracks, whereas the core band features, Smith, alto saxophonist, Allen Mezquida, and drummer, Russell Meissner. In addition, this outing was recorded using the “Sony” Corporation’s new “Direct Stream Digital” technology. Essentially, this effort is all about warmly stated lines atop buoyantly executed mid-tempo swing vamps on pieces such as “Hook, Line and Sinker,” and “Tropical Depression.” Overall, Smith maintains a solid yet fluid flow, while Mezquida generally establishes the melodies via his gingerly rendered yet often-peppery choruses. With “Short Ballad,” Charlap provides a bit of depth thanks to his sympathetic interpretation of the composition while also dispensing a little breathing room for Smith to stretch his wares. Meanwhile, Ganz’s dark toned electric guitar phraseology on “Hugging The Edges,” is topped off by Mezquida’s breezy lines; although, Meissner effectively staggers the flow with offbeat measures and delicate accents. No doubt, this band surges forward with a noticeable degree of self-assurance and refinement. Hence, the title of this production provides credence to the musicians’ articulate interplay and tightly integrated approach. Recommended

Ambient Records

Track Listing: 1.Hook, Line And Sinker 2.Hugging The Edges 3.A Carol For You 4.Wise Guise 5.Short Ballad 6.Tropical Depression 7.Gratitude In The Minor 8.A Blues For Donald 9.Nobody

Personnel: Sean Smith: bass

Record Label: Ambient Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream