Daniel Smith's latest recording, The Swingin' Bassoon, is now released.

Daniel Smith's latest recordings, BEBOP BASSOON and THE SWINGIN' BASSOON are now released on the Zah Zah label. Featuring a top US rhythm section: pianist Martin Bejerano, bassist John Sullivan and drummer Ludwig Afonso.

THE MUSICIANS

MARTIN BEJERANO: PIANO

Currently member of the Roy Haynes band. Performed with: Russell Malone, James Moody, Ira Sullivan, Marcus Printup and many others. Major jazz festivals including those of Playboy, Montreal, Aspen, Ravinia, Sedona, Big Sur, Lincoln Center, Bahia, Charlie Parker. Jazz clubs appearances include: Birdland, The Blue Note, Jazz Gallery, Sunset Club (Paris), Jazz Showcase, Dakota. Recordings on various labels.

JOHN SULLIVAN: BASS

Currently member of the Roy Haynes band. Performed with Joe Lovano, Roy Hargrove, Mike Manieri, Louis Hayes, David Sanchez, Bill Stewart. Jazz club venues and festivals include: The Jazz Gallery, Village Vanguard, The Blue Note, The Knitting Factory, Smalls, Lincoln Center. Recordings on various labels.

LUDWIG AFONSO: DRUMS

One of New York's premier jazz drummers, currently with Spiro Gyra. Featured with Bob Berg, Ira Sullivan, Nestor Torres, Sammy Figueroa, Eddie Rivera, Hector Martianon, Donny McCaslin. Ensembles include CJB Concert Jazz Band and the Bop Brothers. Recordings on various labels.

Reviews of The Swingin' Bassoon:

Click quotes below for full review:

"… the J. J. Johnson of the bassoon …"

"An exquisite sound for total enjoyment of such great jazz"

"Scrapple from the Apple starts with quite a feat - Smith copying note for note Charlie Parker's own sax solo! "

'Smith's expertise really makes the bassoon sound right at home in these be-bop classics. This is real jazz, and not just a novelty disc'.

Daniel Smith is a marvelous musician and if anyone can swing on a Bassoon, he can...his music is wonderful'

'An unusual instrument for jazz... the bassoon, which the talented Daniel Smith plays with great naturalness'

'Smith simply blows up a storm!'

"A fresh sound to the realms of jazz"

What a kick is this CD!....Smith sounds even more mournful than Miles!"

- AUDIOPHILE / John Sunier

"Smith proves an inventive improviser on his instrument...blazing a trail"

"Smith can truly lay claim to possessing a unique voice"

Smith’s imaginative and technically impressive performances. You can just imagine Charlie Parker on bassoon during 'Scrapple From The Apple."

- Glenn Astarita, All About Jazz

"Daniel Smith chosen as one of THE MUSICIANS OF THE WEEK"

"You have to hear 'Scrapple from the Apple' to believe it! Making the unconventional sound like the norm."

"Straight ahead swing arrangements ... Smith's knowledge of these classics does make them swing."

"Yes, this bassoon is swingin’ and the party is just getting started".

"Smith proves his point that the bassoon has more potential than simply being relegated to providing background color

"Makes this devilish instrument swing! "

"This is truly the CD for the jazz fan who thinks he’s heard everything!!"

"Smith knows what he’s doing, he’s inside the music"

"A fascinating and different experience for jazz lovers."

"This American musician, who has a great reputation in classical music ... is not afraid to plunge into the idiom of jazz."

"Profound and imaginative understanding of the music.. a deeply gifted, thoughtful, and emotive musician... the kind of player that helps the music to thrive."

"Among the best jazz quartet albums I have heard this year. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!"

- Rotcod Zzaj

"Elegant and sinuous solos, clean and distinct with their linear phrasing, and with an extremely personal style."

"...one of the most renowned soloists of our time...ambassador of jazz-bassoon."

"An astonishing CD!" ***(*) rating"

"Smith shines on Mood Indigo. He plays with becoming ease, slipping into the melody and indulging in its beauty. "

"Smith is on top of his game...cooking on 'Scapple from the Apple'... just sit back and enjoy"

"His jazz albums serve as proof that the bassoon can fit comfortably into jazz, and that Daniel Smith is a brilliant musician"

"Daniel Smith is clearly someone to be reckoned with"

"Smith bravely goes into the almost uncharted waters with gusto."

"Daniel Smith has accepted the challenge of establishing his instrument in the world of jazz."

-Carina Prange, Jazzzeitung Magazine