Jazz Articles about Paul Smoker

Paul Smoker Trio: Mirabile Dictu

by Glenn Astarita
February 1, 2002

Trumpeter Paul Smoker has taken a front seat in the vast wave of progressive jazz, thanks to co-led dates, numerous sessions, and his affiliation with the fine Fonda - Stevens modern jazz group. On this 2001 release, the trumpeter staffs a drummer-less trio that pursues an amalgamation of motifs based upon extended improvisational frameworks.

Smoker projects raspy slurs and liquefied lines atop guitarist Steve Salerno's burgeoning, ostinato groove on “Open Season." Here and throughout, the band cranks out a jazz-rock ...