Brass Reality by Paul Smoker
"This is vivid, thoughtful, emotionally compelling music… If you've ever harbored fears or doubts about abstract improv, this is a good place to get over them." — Paul de Barros, Downbeat
1. Solo Prelude
2. Fractals, Part 1
3. Waltz
4. Fanfare & Procession
5. Harmon City
6. Phil's Blues
7. Alice's Legacy
8. Fractals, Part 2
9. Coda - Brass Reality
"A lot of albums that explore extended techniques are stiff, stuffy or down-right stillborn. Not this one, an unusual, three-brass and percussion project led by Paul Smoker, a virtuoso trumpeter (and erstwhile Anthony Braxton sideman) in both jazz and modern classical idioms who wrote his Ph.D. on trumpet technique. Smoker's a searcher, but hot, red blood runs through his veins, and his music has drama, urgency, and fire… This is vivid, thoughtful, emotionally compelling music—and well-recorded, too, with a nice spread and separation between the three brass. If you've ever harbored fears or doubts about abstract improv, this is a good place to get over them." — Paul de Barros, Downbeat (November 2002)
"The players are clearly proficient with a knack for imagery and playfulness, though the sense of seriousness is never lost. Smoker and compatriots explore the breadth and scope of emotion and technical possibility that brass players rarely even scratch. Brass Reality is a sandblasted brass bas relief." — Mark E. Gallo, www.JazzReview.com
Tracklist
| 1. | Solo Prelude | 2:40 |
| 2. | Fractals, Part 1 | 7:42 |
| 3. | Waltz | 9:49 |
| 5. | Harmon City | 4:20 |
| 6. | Phil's Blues | 4:41 |
| 8. | Fractals, Part 2 | 7:06 |
| 9. | Coda - Brass Reality | 1:46 |
Credits
Paul Smoker, trumpet
Herb Robertson, trumpet, valve trombone, Eb tuba
David Taylor, bass trombone & BBb tuba
Phil Haynes, drums and percussion
Recorded in New York, June, 1997
Released 2002, Nine Winds NWCD0241
produced by Phil Haynes; Paul Smoker, executive producer
License
All rights reserved.Tags
PAUL SMOKER: trumpet, composer, educator (1941-2016):
"What Paul Smoker produced on his horn was unheard of in these latitudes; his complete command of his instrument allowed him to play whatever extravaganza he would think of… To the widely discussed question about the future development of the jazz trumpet, [his] musical concept could definitely constitute a far-reaching answer." (Jazz Podium)