The two enticingly swinging sessions brought together here find pianist Paul Smith in typically well-crafted form, with The Big Men a joyously engaging date in which he is heard performing solo or in a trio. Much skill, considerable feeling, and unceasingly ebullient energy transform this album into a thoroughly listenable program of modern jazz, throughout which his lines show strong classical influence and clear indication of his imposing compositional talent (Theme for Theda). The playing of the trio is crisp and knowing, and there are moments of brilliant musicianship by Smith with the fine support of Vinnegar and Levey, two swingers who keep the pulse vibrant.
On Richard Rodgers Broadway musical The Sound of Music, guitarist Barney Kessels contributions are consistently good, and the rhythm section is unfailingly solid and supportive. Smith, as leader, is utterly relaxed and swinging, while still managing to be viscerally creative in an excellent demonstration of the craftsmanship for which he was noted.
https://www.freshsoundrecords.com/paul-smith-albums/6177-paul-smith-trio-quartet-the-big-men-the-sound-of-music-2-lps-on-1-cd.html
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Las dos tentadoras sesiones de swing reunidas aquí encuentran al pianista Paul Smith en una forma típicamente bien elaborada, con The Big Men una cita alegremente comprometida en la que se le oye actuar en solitario o en trío. Mucha habilidad, considerable sentimiento, y una energía incesantemente exuberante transforman este álbum en un programa de jazz moderno completamente audible, a lo largo del cual sus líneas muestran una fuerte influencia clásica y una clara indicación de su imponente talento compositivo (Tema para Theda). La interpretación del trío es nítida y sabia, y hay momentos de brillante musicalidad por parte de Smith con el fino apoyo de Vinnegar y Levey, dos swingers que mantienen el pulso vibrante.
En el musical de Richard Rodgers Broadway The Sound of Music, las contribuciones del guitarrista Barney Kessels son consistentemente buenas, y la sección rítmica es infaliblemente sólida y de apoyo. Smith, como líder, está totalmente relajado y se balancea, mientras que aún se las arregla para ser visceralmente creativo en una excelente demostración de la artesanía por la que se le ha destacado.
https://www.freshsoundrecords.com/paul-smith-albums/6177-paul-smith-trio-quartet-the-big-men-the-sound-of-music-2-lps-on-1-cd.html
Fresh Sound Records ... https://www.freshsoundrecords.com/paul-smith-albums/6177-paul-smith-trio-quartet-the-big-men-the-sound-of-music-2-lps-on-1-cd.html