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Smells Like Teen Spirit by Mina Choi
From the album
Album Title: East Meets West
Metre Records
Released: 2026
Duration: 00:43:39
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About the Album
The album "East Meets West" opens with the somewhat unexpected choice of “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Made famous by the rock band Nirvana, the track stands out for its constantly shifting arrangement by Mina Choi. The original song feels rough and intensely powerful overall, yet its melody carries a strangely wistful quality. Perhaps one reason so many musicians have chosen to arrange this song is the pathos contained within its melody. Here, that melody is explored through a wide range of colors and treatments.
At times, the strings present the melody with a sense of solemn drama; at others, the original guitar riff is reproduced almost intact. The chorus melody is expanded to create the kind of dramatic climax characteristic of a big band. The progression is both grand and elegant, extending the dramatic character of the original while revealing dimensions that were not as apparent in the rock version.
Tracks
Smells Like Teen Spirit; Linus and Lucy; Rise; The Mystery of Monifa Brown; Message Home; Whatever You Say.
Personnel
Mina Choi
piano
Bill Cunliffe
piano
Terell Stafford
trumpet
Jon Cowherd
piano
Kye Palmer
trumpet
Rodolfo Zuniga
drums
Jake Chapman
vibraphone
Zack Caplinger
guitar
Jason Fabus
saxophoneJeff Ellwood
saxophone, tenor
Ivan Malespin
tromboneCody Kleinhans
trombone, bassFred Simmons
tromboneNathan King
saxophoneGlen Turner II
saxophone, baritoneKris Bergh
trumpet
Nate Johnson
trumpetJames Ford
trumpetKevin Hicks
tromboneAdditional Personnel
Steven Ragsdale: saxophone; Eddie Yue: cello
Date featured
November 8, 2026
This song appears by permission of the contributing artist and/or record company. It is for personal use only; no other rights are granted or implied.
