Chester Smith is a respected musician, talented performer and exciting addition to today’s jazz scene, particularly in the Bay area where he now makes his home. Back in 1977, his “Jazz Machine” opened for the Larry Coryell show in Philadelphia to a full house of adoring fans that would follow him from gig to gig.

Soon after, he went on a United States tour as product artist/concert artist for the Conn Organ Company stationed near Chicago. It was during this period that he became intrigued with the instrument’s inner workings and started programming his own sounds and developing organs. He is a technical consultant in the music products industry as well as to well-known jazz organist Jimmy Smith, no relation. Chester Smith is currently writing his book on the history and evolution of the electronic organ in America, entitled “Digital Progress.”

His talents include both arranging and composing and his performances feature many of his own compositions though he is strongly influence by the music of Duke Ellington, Erroll Garner and Jimmy Smith. In 1997, San Jose State University premiered the “Wildlife movement of his innovative “Preservation Suite,” a symphonic work dedicated to nature. Of it, Louie Bellson, legendary drummer with the Duke Ellington Orchestra says. “Chester’s “Preservation Suite” for full orchestra is a wonderful and exciting work. It should be played by all the major symphonies of the world.”

The Black Entertainment Network (BET) hosted the Chester Smith Orchestra in 2000 on its BET On Jazz and Jazz Discovery programs. It was well received and highlighted his unique and exciting heel-toe walking bass technique. His bass solos are always a popular segment of his performance and have earned him the name “Mr. Feet ‘n’ Fingers”.

A DVD of Chester’s performance is available for quick demonstration of this high-energy walking bass technique – alternating between Philly-style and traditional organ-style playing.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

The Chester Smith Orchestra

22 South Keeble Avenue

San Jose CA 95126-3114

Phone: (408) 295-1873

Fax: (408) 999-0601

Email: chester7654321@sbcglobal.net

Website: www.feetnfingers.com

© Chester E. Smith, 2008