Jazz Articles about Ian Hendrickson-Smith

Ian Hendrickson-Smith: Still Smokin'

by Peter Aaron
December 21, 2004

As with his fellow neo-bopper, tenorist Eric Alexander, New Orleans-bred alto man Ian Hendrickson-Smith isn't exactly breaking acres of new ground stylistically. But like Alexander, he remains an unquestionable master of the genre; at a mere 31 years of age, Hendrickson-Smith, who doubles on flute, is the possessor of a world-weary, tender tone many players his senior would kill for (the soft caress of Art Pepper comes to mind.) For the most part, Still Smokin', Hendrickson-Smith's second ...

Ian Hendrickson-Smith: Smokin' at Smoke

by Elliott Simon
November 28, 2004

Live recordings tend to be from established leaders who are either stretching out previously released studio performances or making a new statement. However, the young altoist, Ian Hendrickson-Smith, has not only chosen to debut as a leader through a live recording but has also continued in this vein for his sophomore offering. A regular at NYC's club Smoke, Hendrickson-Smith initially weighed in with last year's Up in Smoke and has just released Still Smokin' , both hour long sets recorded ...

Ian Hendrickson-Smith: Still Smokin'

by David A. Orthmann
October 13, 2004

Ian Hendrickson-Smith Still Smokin' Sharp Nine Records 2004

Ian Hendrickson-Smith's second live recording for Sharp Nine Records is an excellent showcase for his burgeoning talents as a bandleader and soloist. The thirty-one year old alto saxophonist (who doubles on flute on one track) is proficient at programming a set, arranges material in novel ways, gets the most out of an excellent band, and evinces an approach to the instrument that sounds both fresh and ...

Ian Hendrickson-Smith: Up In Smoke!

by David A. Orthmann
November 1, 2003

Ian Hendrickson-Smith’s impressive debut on Sharp Nine possesses qualities that are rare in the inaugural recordings of young leaders. A convincing bebop-oriented player who sustains the hour-long live set without the benefit of a front line partner, the twenty-nine year old alto saxophonist knows when to take the horn out of his mouth. He has a way of making a song sound meaningful in itself, rather than just a springboard to extended improvisation. Mindful of an excellent rhythm section (spearheaded ...