Joel Smith - Melodic workshop (2003)

Joe Smith is back with a new CD and a new concept. His innovative approach to jazz has brought together a new group, with familiar faces. On "Melodic Workshop", Joe presents a great collection of original pieces that were presented live at the Barcelona Jazz Festival in 2003 and then recorded for Fresh Sound "New Talent". As a drummer, Joe gives some prominence to this instrument as there are not one, but two drum sets in action here, one played by Joe and the other by Jorge Rossy (Brad Mehldau Trio), who is also featured on Fender Rhodes and there is a strong rhythm section, with Guillermo Klein on piano and Chris Lightcap on bass. This is a move on from 2002's "Happy" CD (FSNT 122) in that the pieces here ebb and flow, away from a formal jazz composition and head-first into new territories.

"Melody is free and should be left alone as much as possible to move freely to its destination, unrestricted by impure influences. Rhythm is another animal. With this group I'm developing a sense of rhythm that is free from even structures (4/4 with 4 or 8 bar phrases.) The rhythm flows over a large pulse but with the freedom to digress naturally into "odd" phrases. The idea is to have so many percussive voices speaking all at once that the "1" is lost and yet everyone is moving together.

I have always been attracted to acoustic sounds from instruments but more and more I feel that what I am searching for is natural sounds. In this group are the Electric Bass and the Fender Rhodes, two electric instruments but with beautiful natural timbre. I am also interested in incorporating metallic sounds into the overall sound of the group. Sounds that are percussive.

These are the concepts behind the Melodic Workshop, but it's still just music. The great musicians that I am lucky to be able to work with create this music, make this music speak. It all comes down to playing and creating together. I plan to develop these concepts and write new material for the group. I am in no hurry and am looking forward to watching the music come alive and plan to capture the many different stages this music will travel through".-Joe Smith


Bill McHenry (ts), Gorka Benitez (ts, fl), Guillermo Klein (p, Fender Rhodes), Chris Ligthcap (b), Jorge Rossy (d, Fender Rhodes), Joe Smith (d), Coda (vcl)