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Groove: Blue
2015 Release

Tony Monaco (Hammond B3), Vinny Valentino (guitar), Steve Smith (drums).
 

We owe the existence of this precious jewel to a chance encounter in Indonesia's capital Jakarta in March, 2011. Drummer Steve Smith and guitarist Vinny Valentino decided to go for a nightcap after playing the Java Jazz Festival with their band Vital Information.

As they approached the lounge bar, they heard the sound of a wild swinging electric organ. Wondering “who the hell was swinging that hard on the B3,” they walked in and saw Tony Monaco, an “unsung hero” of the instrument. Few people knew Monaco, though he had been promoted by organ legend Jimmy Smith and had spent two years touring with jazz guitarist Pat Martino. Smith and Valentino made their way through the crowd and asked if they could join in. They proceeded to spend the rest of the night jamming together, later joined by festival greats George Benson and Roy Hargrove.

Five months later, fate once again intervened. Smith and Valentino had been booked for Drum Fantasy Camp, an annual drum camp in Cleveland Ohio. Tony Monaco lived close by in Columbus, a modest 230 km drive away. A spontaneous phone call resulted in a car journey and resulted in the three of them playing in Monaco’s small home studio.

Steve borrowed a small jazz drum kit from a friend of Tony as his own didn’t fit in the car. Valentino plugged his guitar into the only available amplifier and they were off. They worked so well together that they decided to record an album. One and a half days later, the recording was in the can!

To get a sense of the style of this album, think of the classic Blue Note organ trios of the '60s. These true musos effortlessly inject a 50-year-old sound into their own compositions, adding a few specially arranged jazz standards along the way.

Those standards include the legendary 1958 Miles Davis version of "On Green Dolphin Street," where Smith’s zestful drumming gives a distinct Latin feeling. The group also covers Ray Nobles' "Cherokee," gently modernised with a funky groove. Nat King Cole’s immortal "It's Only A Paper Moon," from the Broadway musical "The Great Magoo," retains a timeless swing but with a walking pedal bass from the Hammond organ. The album winds down with a gentle version of "That's All,"an unforgettable ballad from the Great American Songbook.

Although Smith, Monaco and Valentino had virtually no time for rehearsals, they harmonise on "Groove: Blue" as if they’d known each other all their lives.

Released on Q-rious Records.
 1. The Brush Off  6. Indonesian Nights
 2. On Green Dolphin Street  7. Bugalulu
 3. Cherokee  8. Slingshot Blues
 4. It's Only a Paper Moon 9. That's All 
 5. I Remember Jimmy
   
   
 


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The Steve Smith/Michael Zilber Group: Reimagined, Vol. 1

Michael Zilber (sax, arranger), Steve Smith (drums), Paul Nagel (piano), and John Shifflet (bass). This is Steve playing in an all acoustic quartet with a small jazz kit. Click
here to read the liner notes.
 1. All Blues  6. Manteca
 2. Mood Indigo  7. Solar
 3. Freedom Jazz Dance  8. Giant Steps
 4. Somewhere  9. How Long Has This Been Going On
 5. Impressions  10. Caravan
   11. Countdown
 


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Steve Smith & Buddy's Buddies
1999 Release

The late drum legend Buddy Rich held no interest in nostalgia. He'd undoubtedly be pleased, though, with this musical tribute featuring Steve Smith and four Buddy Rich Big Band alumni: tenor and soprano saxophonist Steve Marcus, alto saxophonist Andy Fusco, pianist Lee Musiker and bassist Anthony Jackson. Read the liner notes...

1. Nutville 6. You Stepped Out of a Dream
2. Norwegian Wood 7. Moments Notice
3. New Blues 8. Cool
4. Airegin 9. You Gotta Try
5. How Do You Keep the Music Playing 10. Untitled (hidden track)
 


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Steve Smith & Buddy's Buddies:
Very Live at Ronnie Scott's, Vol. 2

2002 Release

Recorded Live at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, London June 7 and 8, 2002. Featuring:

Steve Smith - drums
Andy Fusco - alto sax
Steve Marcus - tenor and soprano saxes
Mark Soskin - piano
Baron Browne - electric bass

Click here to read liner notes and review of this title!

1. Moments Notice 6. Cool
2. Norwegian Wood 7. No Jive
3. New Blues 8. Love for Sale
4. Airegin 9. Big Man Blues
5. Embraceable You 10. Bopformation
 


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SOLD OUT!
Steve Smith & Buddy's Buddies:
Very Live at Ronnie Scott's, Vol. 1
2002 Release

Recorded Live at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, London June 7 and 8, 2002. Featuring:

Steve Smith - drums
Andy Fusco - alto sax
Steve Marcus - tenor and soprano saxes
Mark Soskin - piano
Baron Browne - electric bass

Click here to read liner notes and review of this title!

1. Love for Sale  6. Pies of A.Z.
2. Nutville 7. Manfredo's Fest
3. Big Man Blues 8. Ya Gotta Try
4. Bopformation 9. Moments Notice
5. How Do You Keep the
Music Playing?
10. Airegin
 
   
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