Results for "Jonathan Smith"

Jonathan Smith

Jonathan Smith first played guitar at 4 years old. After hearing saxophonists Eddie Harris and Robert Hutchens (who was playing in Mel Brown’s Jazz Quintet), he was soon hooked on jazz. In his early 20‘s he took up tenor saxophone, playing for a couple of years in a Portland jazz combo. Smith has studied with many greats, including: Anthony Wilson, Dan Balmer, Bruce Forman, Ron Eschete, John Stowell, Mike Bloomfield, and Graham Dechter. He also fondly recalls a memorable impromptu lesson with the great Bucky Pizzarelli. Smith cites many influences and inspirations, but the primary ones are Charlie Parker, Robert Hutchens, Jimmy Heath, Christine Jensen, Ingrid Jensen, Benny Green, Randy Johnston, Dan Faehnle, and, Terry Haggerty. His nickname, “Chief,” comes from his 30-year career in firefighting where he recently retired from a Portland area fire department

Take Five With Jonathan Smith

by Jonathan Smith
February 29, 2012

Meet Jonathan Smith: Portland, Oregon jazz guitarist, playing in the stylistic tradition of Grant Green. Instrument(s): Guitar.Teachers and/or influences? Dan Balmer, Bruce Forman, and many other great musicians I've had the good fortune to spend time with. A few special influences are: Ingrid Jensen, Benny Green, ...

En Route

By Jonathan Smith

Label: Self Produced
Released: 2011
Track listing: Emily's Dance; Fungii Mama; Shuffle Twist; Bb Boogaloo; Feel Like Makin' Love; On The Trail; Did You Call Her Today?; My Little Suede Shoes; Blues For Mandy; Georgia On My Mind; Señor Blues.

Jonathan Smith Quintet CD - "En Route" Available Now

October 7, 2011

FORMER FIRE CHIEF RELEASES JAZZ CD Jonathan Smith has just released a debut CD of jazz music. His nickname, “the Chief," comes from his 30-year career in firefighting where he recently retired as Deputy Fire Chief of Clackamas County Fire department. While building his musical repertoire he has been fortunate to play in many Portland area ...

Jonathan Smith Quintet: En Route

by Dan Bilawsky
October 5, 2011

Portland-based guitarist Jonathan Smith spent three decades putting out fires, but he lets things burn on En Route. The retired firefighter-cum-jazz guitarist assembled a crew of musicians with whom he'd performed in live settings at various times, to record a debut album which, as Smith himself says, “delivers solid and accessible jazz." Smith's music isn't made ...