REVIEWS
| [ J ] = jazz concert |
| [ C ] = classical recital |
| [ J / C ] = combined jazz & classical programme |
|
Thame Concert Jazz Club, Thame, Oxford, UK. [ J ] THAME
(pronounced “tame”) is a charming old market town in the
county of Oxfordshire, close to the Chiltern Hills and just 14 miles
east of Oxford, UK. This week, the town was anything but “tame”
when jazz bassoonist DANIEL SMITH and THE JONATHAN GEE TRIO appeared
at JAZZ EDDIE’S CONCERT JAZZ event in Thame Concert Jazz Club.
- Catriona M M Webster Born
in the USA, Daniel Smith, spent his early years listening to the
great giants of jazz such as Count Basie in his home town New York
City. Classicallly trained, he has with this background, sucessfully crossed over seamlessly to the jazz world with his mastering of a cumbersome and somewhat ungainly instrument 'the bassoon.' The audience was spellbound with the lovely lyrical and warm tonal quality daniel smith achieved from his deep voiced instrument playing great jazz standards. Indeed, I was so impressed with his new cd, he kindly gave me, that I played three tracks, something I have never done before. Daniel was ably backed up with pianist Jonathan Gee on keyboards, Steve Rose on double bass and Winston Clifford on drums, who made an altogether delightful evening of jazz at Jazz Eddies great venue at Thame, Oxon, England. -Dave Self, Radio Jazz Presenter & Producer / tvu . Blast 1386. (On the web) & Stoke Mandeville Hospital Radio. |
Festival de Jazz Música Creativa de Ciutat Vella 2002 (Barcelona) [ J ]
|
London:
‘Mr. Jazz Bassoon...drew a bigger crowd than ever’
London: ‘Along the pathway to worldwide acclaim’
“If
you’ve never heard a bassoon swinging, now’s your chance!
Daniel Smith was showcased in two consecutive nights of jazz at
London’s 'Pizza On The Park'. We caught the first night and
can report substantial changes from when we last heard him a year
or so ago. His playing is surprisingly more fluent on up-tempo numbers,
he’s good at be-bop, and his tone has changed to a more hip
sound. The programme included many tunes from the standards songbook.
Perhaps the most satisfying of the evening was ‘Out of Nowhere’,
where he stretched out in several choruses, playing a distinctive
and continuous line of improvisation which was enthusiastically
received by the crowd. All
in all, Daniel is progressing nicely along the pathway to worldwide
acclaim. This was an unusual and satisfying evening which points
the way to the continuing development of a unique talent - and sound
- in jazz.” |
|
JAMMING
WITH JAMEY... |
|
| Daniel Smith's appearance at Jamey Aebersold's Jazz Clinic in Richmond was one of the highlights of the evening. Playing alongside Jamey's top notch band (which also included pianist Dan Haerle and bass player Todd Coolman), Daniel was featured on two numbers and treated the audience to excellent solos on Sonny Rollins' Doxy and the Duke Ellington signature tune Take The 'A' Train (written by Billy Strayhorn). | |
LONG
MELFORD [
J ]
One
doesn’t automatically associate the bassoon with jazz music and to
those of us more attuned to the instrument as Grandfather in Peter and
the Wolf this Saturday evening concert was something of a culture shock
– and a revelation! In the hands, literally, of world-acclaimed virtuoso
Daniel Smith – who combines an extensive classical repertoire with
his pioneering work in the field of jazz – the instrument had all
the fluency this style of music demands. Favourite numbers from the pens
of “greats” such as Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington,
Charlie Parker, Count Basie and Miles Davis all got the treatment from
Daniel with his talented colleagues – Steve Smith (UK) on drums,
Russell Swift on bass and Sean Whittle at the piano. Daniel talked about
the instrument and demonstrated very convincingly that a bassoon can be
the equal of a clarinet or saxophone in this medium. This ensemble gave
us jazz music of the very highest order in a most enjoyable and memorable
evening.
-Ken Nice, Asst. Treasurer, Melford Music, 15 August 2006
WOLVERHAMPTON
MUSIC SOCIETY
As James Galway is to the flute, so Daniel Smith is to the bassoon! Ranging
in the course of two hours from the formality of baroque to an exciting
jazz session, interspersed with helpful but uncondescending details about
this shamefully underestimated instrument, the recital was a revelation
in every way. Thanks, Daniel, for reminding us what true joy can feel
like.
- John Higgs Trustee, City of Wolverhampton Music Society
CHESTER
MUSIC SOCIETY
[ J /
C ]
In the hands of Daniel Smith. the bassoon took on a new character. Backed
by the talented and enthusiastic members of BASSOON AND BEYOND, he proved
that great jazz is enhanced by this unusual combination. For those with
preferences for classical playing, the concert was an opportunity to hear
it performed by a superb classical bassoonist. Our audience comments were
very favourable and we hope to have the chance to hear this wonderful
artist again in the future.
- Geoffrey Hallett, Honorary Secretary
WEST
WIGHT ARTS ASSOCIATION [ C
]
Our Christmas concert programme was something very special and fulfilled
our goal that "West Wight Arts brings the Wigmore Hall to the Isle
of Wight.'' As befits a musician of such experience, Daniel Smith's witty
and informative introductions and his varied programme of classical selections
fulfilled our every expectation in this respect. It was a wonderful and
successful evening of music and gave our patrons an appreciation for this
most difficult and unusual of instruments.
- Keith Brettell, Hon. Treasurer
HARLINGTON
FESTIVAL [ J ]
Daniel Smith is clearly a very talented musician who has developed
a new role for the bassoon as a solo instrument. A capacity audience heard
music from many styles, including be-bop, swing, blues and ballads and
composers ranging from Dizzy Gillespie and Sonny Rollins to Duke Ellington.
His quartet was most interesting to watch and listen to; clearly having
fun and responding to each other's individual musical talents.
- Michael and Vivien Powles
MACCLESFIELD
MUSIC SOCIETY [ J
/ C
]
With Daniel Smith, the bassoon as a solo instrument becomes something
magical. His varied classical programme for the first half of the concert,
with timely introductions, was an eye-opener and a delight. But a bassoon
playing jazz? Can this be true? Indeed it was, with the unique sound of
the instrument bringing a new dimension to the world of jazz while raising
the tempo of the second half of the evening in more ways than one! The
audience loved it!
- Shirley Jarvis, Concert Secretary
LYTHAM
ST. ANNES MUSIC CIRCLE [ J
/ C ]
In an evening of music divided between classical and jazz, our audience
was treated to a broad spectrum of music, ranging from Elgar, Mozart,
Verdi and Vivaldi and onto many exciting jazz pieces. In the jazz segment
of the programme, Daniel Smith's bassoon triumphantly led his quartet
with infectious, foot tapping and brilliant music. Improvisation at its
best; a visible joy for the audience with wide-ranging selections from
blues to Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Charlie Parker
- John Simpson, President
SOWERBY
MUSIC SOCIETY, North Yorkshire [ J
/ C
]
Splendid jazz arrangements matched by the immaculate playing and glorious
tone of Daniel Smith's bassoon in a wide and varied programme of classical
and jazz. BASSOON AND BEYOND was a joy and a revelation. This was not
just an evening for the jazz connoisseur, it was an evening for music
lovers of all kinds and ages. And love it they did!
- Martin Hooper, Concerts Secretary
ABBOTSBURY
MUSIC FESTIVAL, Dorset [ C
]
An enthusiastic audience filled the beautiful 16th Century church of St.
Nicholas where Daniel Smith entertained them with a strikingly diverse
programme. As well as displaying an extraordinary command of his instrument,
he communicated his enthusiasm with explanations for each piece of music.
Daniel Smith's performance demonstrated the astonishing range and power
of the bassoon, which in his hands took on a rare individuality and charm.
- Francesca Radcliffe, Chairman
AYLSHAM
CONCERTS, Holt [ J ]
Aylsham Concerts introduced another 'first' with Daniel Smith and BASSOON
AND BEYOND. The audience was treated to a concert of first-rate jazz and
an illuminating insight into the musical capabilities of the bassoon.
It was a joyous introduction to an unusual combination and we plan to
have the pleasure of a return engagement with Daniel Smith soon.
Derek Ardern, Chairman
STRATHDEE
MUSIC AT ABOYNE [ J /
C ]
After hearing outstanding classical artistry during the first half of
the programme, the concept of then hearing amplified bassoon performing
jazz had people shaking their heads in uncomprehending disbelief. Daniel
Smith, the acclaimed bassoonist from New York expanded our aural experience
with a display of virtuosity which really had people talking afterwards.
Hearing a bassoon swing with this truly great musician, implausible though
it might sound, was just amazing.
- Owens Jenkins, Deeside Piper
BOSTON
CONCERT CLUB [ C ]
An interesting and entertaining evening last Tuesday when the American
bassoonist Daniel Smith gave a recital for the Boston Concert Club. Daniel
has a mission to make his instrument better known, something I applaud.
The programming combined works composed for bassoon and piano, transcriptions
from other instruments with piano, and also arrangements. We were informed
about the instrument between pieces in a friendly fashion and there was
generous applause at the end with an encore to follow
- Brenda Lane, Boston Standard
THE
QUAY THEATRE [ J ]
It was a privilege and a great pleasure to have Daniel Smith with BASSOON
AND BEYOND on our series. Delightful jazz arrangements complemented the
virtuoso playing of Daniel Smith and his talented accompanists. One of
our patrons, a jazz enthusiast for over 40 years, said that it was the
most enjoyable evening of music he had ever experienced, to which I agree.
- Richard Way, Director
PIZZA
ON THE PARK, London [ J
]
|
WESTERN
MAIL, Wales [ J ]
In it's third year, the Aberystwyth Jazz Festival is making a name
for itself in the jazz world - the arrival of talented bassoonist Daniel
Smith confirms the fact. Smith is well known for his jazz arrangements
of traditional Welsh, English, Scottish and Irish tunes.
- Elaine Jenkins
ABERDEEN
PRESS AND JOURNAL [ J ]
'Bassoon bravado backed by red-hot jazz playing' Daniel Smith's performance
for Strathdee Music at Aboyne certainly shook the dust of any preconceptions
the audience might have had. We were in another world as Daniel and his
quartet gave us a selection of fantastic jazz classics. Smith's bassoon
encompassed the smooth sounds of jazz trombone and sax meshed in with
his own special sound.
DEESDIE
PIPER, Aberdeen [ J ]
‘Don't knock the bassoon ever again!’ The concept of amplified
bassoon performing jazz might have some people shaking their heads in
uncomprehending disbelief. Daniel Smith, the acclaimed bassoonist from
New York, expanded our aural experience with a display of virtuosity which
really had people talking afterwards. Hearing a bassoon swing with this
truly great musical pioneer, implausible though it might sound, was just
amazing.
- Owens Jenkins
THE
REGISTER , California
‘Gunther Schuller's contrabassoon concerto daringly offered by Daniel
Smith...challenged the audience with as uncommon a performance as they'll
ever hear...musicianship which is of the highest order...’
- Bill Akers
DILIGENTIA
HALL, The Hague, Netherlands [ C
]
‘Bassoon recitals are rare and Daniel Smith demonstrated that he
thoroughly had this unruly instrument under control. Mozart's second bassoon
concerto (attributed to) sounded very pure and in full command’
- Kunst, Het Vanderland.
DILIGENTIA
HALL, The Hague, Netherlands [ C
]
‘A bassoon recital we do not hear often in our country, Diligentia
(Hall) had the honor. The expressivity of the bassoon came through especially
in the 'Romance' of Elgar and in the 'Six Etudes' of R. Vaughan Williams.
Smith showed fine expertise.’
-Besier, Het Binnenhof
THE
ATALIER, Brussels, Belgium [ C
]
‘From the first measures, one is struck by the singing quality of
the bassoon. This truly was an accomplishment of dynamism, of gaiety,
and of enthusiasm. The performance was a special treat.’
-Genia
TELEROMA,
Rome, Italy [ C ]
‘Daniel Smith has appeared as soloist in many Italian cities, obtaining
great success on the part of the public and the press. He possesses a
very beautiful tone, has innate musicality and complete mastery of his
instrument, impeccable rhythm and exceptional interpretative qualities.
It is with great pleasure that I write these comments about this noted
American bassoonist.’
Prof. Michele Incenzo,
Primo Clarinetto, Orchestra Sinfonica Accademia Nazionale S. Cecilia
[ C
]
‘An impressive performance by bassoonist Daniel Smith, soloist in
the Carl Maria von Weber Bassoon Concerto. Performed with the Rome Festival
Orchestra, conducted by Edgar Braun.’
-International Daily News
RYEDALE
FESTIVAL [ J /
C ]
‘We always try to provide unique musical experiences at the Ryedale
Festival and the sound of Daniel Smith's jazz bassoon was certainly that!
The audience was delighted with the classical and "crossover" into
jazz; this foot tapping event was the talk of the festival.’
- Malcolm Layfield, Ryedale Festival Director
__________________________________________________