Jazz Articles about Sean Smith

The Frank and Joe Show: 33 1/3

by David Rickert
October 20, 2004

It's easy to forget that in the beginning jazz was music designed for entertainment and not considered serious art. The Frank & Joe Show takes its inspiration from such a time, a bygone era when the audience preferred to jitterbug rather than to just sit and listen. Frank Vignola has already displayed a serious Django jones on his previous albums, yet wisely has avoided recording a CD full of gypsy music when the real thing is so ready and available. ...

Sean Smith: Poise

by Glenn Astarita
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 ...

Sean Smith Quartet: Sean Smith Quartet Live

by C. Michael Bailey
April 1, 2000

Sean Smith is a talented bassist who has provided his music expertise for the likes of Carole Sloan and Jan Leder. A very busy man is Sean Smith. Here Smith releases a live collection of eight originals and one standard performed by his quartet. The ride here is crisp and clean.

Sean Smith’s compositional style is firmly fixed in the Post Bop movement, with the exception of straight-ahead drumming. His upbeat “Pipe Dream” and “Blues for Beans” are cleverly angular ...