Release year - 2021
Description - Pete’s Christmas Album recorded during the pandemic in 2020. Includes 13 songs, of which 7 include Madison Rast (bass) & Dan Monaghan (drums). Saxophonist Larry McKenna is featured on 2 songs & saxophonist Ted Lis is featured on 3 songs. Four songs feature Pete on solo guitar. Soon available for purchase & digital download through most music outlets (Amazon, Apple Music, Spotify, Bandcamp, etc.).
RECOrdings
Release year - 2018
Description - This album, recorded in 2018, features the duo of 7 string guitarist Pete Smyser and saxophonist Ted Lis performing audience favorites from various concert programs. The two musicians are the best of friends and have been enjoying performing together for over 20 years (approximately 90 shows per year). Fans have long been requesting that the duo record their very unique sound and approach… so here it is!
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Release year - 2018
Description - Pete Smyser is at the top of his game with this solo, 7-string archtop guitar recording (his 9th CD release). Pete brings his unique improvisational chord melody approach to 12 timeless American Songbook Standards and delivers in spades. He masterfully coaxes a beautifully warm, lush tones from his American Archtop Guitar (which was hand made by luthier Dale Unger from Nazareth, PA).
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Release year - 2013
Description - A live concert recording by Pete Smyser’s quintet that pays tribute to the classic standards of Harry Warren (1893-1981). The CD was featured on radio stations throughout the U.S. The song Boulevard of Broken Dreams from the CD was voted the #1 requested song for the entire year on WRTI's (90.1 FM in Philadelphia) Top 100 Jazz Countdown of 2014! Video of this performance is available on Pete's YouTube Channel.
Harry Warren was an extremely successful composer, particularly for movies, during the first half of the 20th century. He had 24 CONSECUTIVE top ten hits & wrote the song that became the very first gold record in history!
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Release year - 2012
Description - A live concert recording of the Pete Smyser quartet as they pay tribute to the classic songs of Jerome Kern. The CD reached the top 50 for National jazz radio play and remained there for several weeks. Video is available on Pete's YouTube Channel.
“Pete is a melodic player who has improvisational chops to spare. He doesn't just play notes; they all mean something. He may be one of my favorite improvisers. Great backing by the trio makes for a terrific recording. The Great American Songbook survives with this CD. Highly recommended.” - Ed Benson (JUST JAZZ GUITAR MAGAZINE)
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Release year - 2007
Description - 7-string guitarist Pete Smyser teamed up with some of Philly's finest jazz musicians. The music is straight ahead jazz highlighting 7 of Smyser's original compositions.
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Release year - 2008
Description - A solo guitar recording featuring jazz and standards arranged for and performed on a 6 string classical guitar. Smyser combined his classical guitar training with his love of jazz and improvising when invited to perform at The Bethlehem Guitar Festival which, for one year, chose a theme of “Jazz on the Classic.”
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Release year - 2001
Description - Pete invited legendary Philadelphia saxophonist Larry McKenna into the studio to record 10 songs. Half are performed as a duo and a rhythm section of bass and drums was added for the other 5 tracks.
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Release year - 1999
Description - Features 7 musicians and showcases Smyser’s composing and arranging skills on 10 songs, 5 of which are his original compositions. Straight ahead jazz.
Release year - 1996
Description - Pete Smyser’s debut recording. Straight ahead jazz featuring 5 musicians, 13 tracks (4 of which are Pete’s original compositions). Not currently offered through online sales. Please contact Pete directly to purchase this CD.