I'm fundamentally a rationalist and tend to think quantitatively and big-picture, though at the same time I'm enamored with the emotive in all forms of art. I have a passion for finding out new things and tend to believe that everyone knows something from which I can learn. Hopefully the converse is also true.
...and I like to climb trees.
About me, musically:
Stephen Smith is a trombonist and composer living in Austin, Texas. He received his Bachelor's degree in Jazz Studies with an emphasis in composition from the University of North Texas in December of 2002. He was a member of the world-famous University of North Texas One O'clock Lab Band and has had four original compositions recorded on One O'clock Lab Band albums. Stephen is the winner of the “Best Original Composition†Downbeat Magazine student award in 2003, The Airmen of Note's Sammy Nestico award in 2004, as well as the ASCAP Foundation's Young Jazz Composer award in 2004 and 2008. He has had the privilege of playing throughout the United States, in Europe and Japan, as well as performing with a multitude of great musicians. He was on Maynard Ferguson's final tour in the summer of 2006 playing trombone before Ferguson passed away in August of that year.
My new CD:
Wil Swindler and I have received very positive feedback on our brand new CD of original art music, and have really enjoyed sharing it with everyone. Now, it's even easier to pick up your own copy. We're pleased to announce that you can now find us on iTunes as well as cdbaby.com/chamberjazz and chamberjazzensemble.com . The Chamber Jazz Ensemble is a 10-piece group established to continue the tradition of Gil Evans' mid-size ensembles in the framework of modern jazz. Composers Wil Swindler and Stephen Smith provide the group's original musical material. Serving a style and function unlike that of a â€little big band,†the group truly is a chamber ensemble seeking a subtle, cool sound that balances between jazz and modern art music. The unique instrumentation of 3 woodwinds, 2 trumpets, 1 trombone, 1 french horn, and traditional rhythm section, creates a versatile tone palette from which the group's leaders/composers create a wide array of sounds and styles. Please check it out and give us a shout! As always, thanks for stopping by and please continue to support original art music!
A review of the CD by the world-class trombonist, professor at Oklahoma State University, and Edwards artist Paul Compton :
I first met Wil Swindler and Stephen Smith when they were first semester undergraduate jazz majors at the University of North Texas. It was obvious even then that these two are gifted. They immediately stood out among the hundreds of jazz majors for both their outstanding playing and writing. They had incredibly developed ears and amazing musical intuition before they had even turned twenty. They were two of the best in Denton then, and I am happy to say that now they are two of the best anywhere. I was blown away the first time I listened to Chamber Jazz Ensemble, and this feeling returns with each subsequent listen. Everything about this project is first class. Wil and Stephen brought together a tremendously talented collection of players. There are several wonderful soloists, particularly the two bandleaders, as well as Pat Murray on trumpet and Eddy Hobizal ..boards. The most astonishing aspect of this project is the writing. Wil and Stephen are master jazz composers. Every chart on this album is a carefully crafted work of art. The orchestration is spot on, and the writing is cutting edge. This is some of the most exciting contemporary jazz writing I have heard in a long time. This project was a labor of love, but I hope it also catapults Wil and Stephen to entirely new levels of attention. Everyone needs to hear this album. It is excellent in every way. Please check it out so we can look forward to many more.
Steve Wiest , one of the most in-demand trombonists of today, former trombonist with Maynard Ferguson, professor at the University of North Texas, and Edwards artist said of the ensemble:
"Beautiful writing and playing! What a treat to hear this writer's ensemble. We need more groups like this in the world!"
on iTunes , cdbaby.com/chamberjazz , and chamberjazzensemble.com .
