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CHESTER SMITH MUSICAL ARTIST Organ, Bass Pedals, Acoustic Piano, KeyboardsCOMPOSER ARRANGER
The CHESTER SMITH ORCHESTRA
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Exciting Heel-Toe
Walking Bass Technique |
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Gifted and volatile, Chester Smith is an electrifying showman whose remarkable talents as composer/arranger, inventor and author underscore, both technically and creatively, that he is one of the finest jazz organists on the planet. A product of Philadelphia’s pulsing jazz scene, he started playing the organ at 13, turning pro at 16. His musical career was launched when his “Jazz Machine Band” opened for guitar legend Larry Coryell in 1977. Early on, masters like Duke Ellington, Erroll Garner and, as well, the renowned Jimmy Smith influenced him. Whether playing the classic Hammond B3 or modern MIDI-keyboards, Chester’s wizardry is unquestionable and his knowledge of new keyboard technologies have earned him accolades in both Downbeat and Keyboard magazines. Chester is a master improviser on piano, organ and orchestral synthesizer. His startling ability to execute facile lines on the organ bass pedals is reminiscent of Ray Brown’s masterful acoustic bass style and Sam Jones’ soulful ness on the upright instrument. The elders of Jazz Organ have long since ceased to play the bass pedals. Not Chester Smith! He is an articulate and passionately swinging player with roots planted firmly in the world of music. He combines technical wizardry and artistic brilliance, which expands the limitations of traditional organ by adding a symphonic scope of sounds in addition to his unique and exciting heel-toe walking bass technique. Not surprisingly, he’s sometimes called “Mr. Feet ‘n’ Fingers”! |
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His musical presentations guarantee a show that will long be remembered. He has developed his own touring organ – the Fox Special – and is just finishing a seminal book on the electronic organ in America entitled, “Digital Progress”. He is a technical consultant to performers, organ manufacturers and to the classic jazz organist, Jimmy Smith |
Chester Smith is an orchestra!
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He has performed in concert with saxophonist Red Holloway, drumming legend and Ellington favorite, Louis Bellson, as well as, at NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) conventions and the Jazz Organ Summit in NYC. (BET), television’s Black Entertainment Network hosted the Chester Smith Orchestra on its “Jazz Discovery” program. |
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Invitations by Bay Area Organ Clubs and Jazz Festivals acknowledge his expertise. He was the musical director for a Timpany Center production, performed at the Flint Center, which aired on channel 11, an ABC affiliate. He has assisted lectures on Jazz and Bebop and San Jose State for several years. In 1997, the San Jose State Symphony premiered the “Wildlife” movement of Chester’s innovative “Preservation Suite”. The piece has been very well received by critics and audiences alike. A longtime resident of the San Francisco Bay Area, Chester tours the West Coast extensively. He’s been a featured artist on Pete Fallico’s “Doodlin’ Productions.” Here, he is described as “one of the most dynamic and entertaining organists of our time.” |
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What They’re Saying About…. CHESTER SMITH |
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“…Watch Out! There’s a hurricane on the horizon by the name of Chester Smith, that’s a force to be dealt with…Take Cover!” Saxophonist Red Holloway after performing with Chester
“…Cole fans weaned on the orchestrations of Nelson Riddle will be pleased to know his accompaniments are acclaimed for their richness of sound.” Phil Collins, Santa Cruz Sentinel review of Chester’s performance at Nat King Cole Tribute
“…A real showman!” Larry Kelp, Music critic, Oakland Tribune
“…Wow! What’s this guy doing? He has an entirely different approach to playing the organ” Donald “Duck” Bailey, drummer for Jimmy Smith and Carmen McCrea
“…Chester’s ‘Preservation Suite’ should be played by every major symphony in the United States!” Drummer Louis Bellson, Ellington mainstay
“…Big Noise in the Big Apple! Chester Smith takes an organ solo on the foot pedals.” Downbeat Magazine
“…He stole the show hands (and feet) down!” Producer Ralph Jungheim on hearing Chester at The Organ Summit at the Int’l. Ass’n. of Jazz Educators in New York City
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CHESTER SMITH Organist Keyboardist Composer Extraordinaire! NOW AVAILABLE For PERFORMANCES WORKSHOPS CLINICS RESIDENCIES
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CONTACT Chester Smith Orchestra 22 S. Keeble Avenue San Jose, CA 95126 PHONE: 408 295-1873 FAX: 408 999-0601 Email: chester7654321@sbcglobal.net Website: www.feetnfingers.com
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© Chester E. Smith, 2003
