Jazz Grunge by Chris Smith
Like my favorite Jazz albums, the “Grunge” albums of the early 1990’s spoke to me because they offered what I perceived to be a genuine artistic vision. A vision that was not concerned with mass consumption or popular music styles. It was music that was heartfelt, full of emotion, and contained no bullshit. It was genuine. That’s music to me and it influenced everything I have strived for as a musician and drummer for the last 30 years. This album is my first genuine offering and a blend of the influences that I love and that have formed my drumming style. Not intended to upset either camp (jazz or grunge) or be controversial, I sincerely just hope that you enjoy the sounds of this incredible band. I also hope that we inspire you to go back and listen to the original songs while at the same time realizing that Jazz is very much alive and it is a very wide canvas that can be painted with many grooves, harmonies, and styles. Is it Rock? Yes. Is it Jazz? Yes. Can we stop asking these pointless questions and just enjoy the MUSIC? Yes.
- Chris Smith
Tracklist
| 1. | Heart-Shaped Box (Drain You) | 4:53 |
| 2. | Rooster (Street Talk) | 5:46 |
| 3. | Scar On The Sky | 4:22 |
| 4. | On A Plain | 4:41 |
| 5. | The Day I Tried To Live | 2:36 |
| 6. | Spoonman | 2:20 |
| 7. | Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town | 4:53 |
| 8. | Sullen Girl | 5:23 |
| 9. | Go Lonely Woman | 5:30 |
| 10. | Seasons (The Enemies of Energy) | 6:13 |
| 11. | Would? | 3:21 |
Credits
Chris Smith - Drums
Christopher Pawluk - Guitar
Peter Slavov - Bass
Jure Pukl - Tenor Saxophone
David DeJesus - Alto Saxophone
Valerie Costa - Voice
Producers: Chris Smith & Cory Weeds
All Arrangements: Chris Smith
Musical Consultant Max Glanz
Recorded May 26-28, 2024 at Hideout Recording in Vienna, Austria
Recording Engineer, Mixing & Edits (Hideout Recording) - Danny Ziemann
Mixing & Edits (Mighty Fine Productions) - Loren Dorland
Mixing & Mastering (Bass Hit Recording) - David Darlington
Cover photography by Hannah Rodriguez
Other photographs by Ario Omidvar
Production Manager: Dominic Duchamp
Design and layout by Perry Chua
License
All rights reserved.
Chris Smith has performed with jazz icons Randy Brecker, Dick Oatts, and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. An active member of the NYC scene for the last decade he often plays with many rising stars of jazz including Troy Roberts, Sam Dillon, and
Steven Feifke. He can also be heard regularly as the drummer in
the Birdland Big Band.
http://www.chrissmithjazzdrums.com