cd / sound samples
NOW AVAILABLE!!!... "Opportunity Knocks"; a brand new release, hot of the presses!
Sound samples and digital downloads are available at Dig Station
(sound samples)
Also in the pipeline is "Pete Smyser - Solo Guitar" another CD release. Stay Tuned !!
Pete Smyser has also recorded the following CD's as a leader...
Pete Smyser & Larry McKenna (CAP960)
TRACK LISTING /sound samples
PUBLISHED REVIEWS
“This is a `must' record, not only for contrasting two important stylists, but also for the enjoyment to be had from the music. Smyser's performances on this release are marked by a reflective, pensive quality. … a flowing quality that is extraordinarily pleasant. Smyser's playing makes for easy-swinging, melodically charming music that is engaging, warm, and spontaneous. This is a lush album.” -Johnny Adams/ KNRY RADIO California
"...pure, swinging sounds ...simply wonderful listening." -Curt Yesky/ Trenton Times
“Delightful overtones of the golden age of jazz. A fine new CD featuring time-tested standards. McKenna is nothing less than a Philadelphia living legend on tenor sax. Smyser's artful playing fits perfectly with the understated perfection of McKenna" -Don Van Deusen/ Philadelphia Metro
“Oh my, my…artists at work. Everything in this recording is just absolutely superb. …a very fine album, …wonderful musicians, …smooth, …a great group.” -Dr. Jack Buerkle/ WRTI Temple Public Radio
“This quaint recording is unashamedly retro. …a sweet, swing-based style. …elegant, …velvet. A fireplace should be crackling nearby when you play this disc. A tuxedoed suaveness carries the day.” -Karl Stark/ Philadelphia Inquirer
PERSONNEL
Pete Smyser 7-string guitar
Larry McKenna tenor saxophone
Steve Beskrone upright bass
Mike DeMonte drums
TRACK LISTING /sound samples
PUBLISHED REVIEWS
“This guitarist has a defined palette of jazz that goes way beyond the `guitar only' crowd. The playing is directly in the pocket, distinct and clear. This is jazz guitar as witnessed during the best of the `30's, `40's and `50's. ...Herb Ellis meets Barney Kessel style… a hint of Jim Hall… Chopping Block (a Smyser tune) hints at the Benson/ Wes' sound while ever speaking to us from the originality of the composer himself. ...finger-style picking that comes close to Joe Pass mixed with Martin Taylor. Pete's playing shines here. No doubt we will be hearing more from Pete Smyser.” -Jazz Improv Magazine
“Refreshing! …most expressive! …technical brilliance! ...nothing but good, tasteful jazz! A delightful mixture of new music and a fresh look into the past. The title cut [The Scene is Clean] is a gem and reflects Smyser's maturity and creativity in painting a musical picture.” -Curt Yesky/ The Trenton Times
“A great player. His acoustic sounding guitar meshes well with the timbres of this large group, the homogeneity of which suggests real teamwork. Highlights include a beautiful arrangement of Bess, You is My Woman Now, a deliciously nostalgic Too Marvelous for words, and the Montgomery-influenced Chopping Block. As a project, The Scene is Clean marks a major move forward in Smyser's musical development.” -Just Jazz Guitar
PERSONNEL
Pete Smyser guitar
Ted Lis tenor & baritone saxophones
John Swana flugel horn
Paul Butler clarinet & bass clarinet
Jim Ridl piano
Darryl Hall upright bass
Byron Landham drums
Out of Nowhere (15887-2)This was my debut CD in 1996. It received regular airplay in the Philadelphia area and created a lot of new opportunities for me to perform. It was incredibly exciting and I am still thankful to have had the opportunity to do this project with these great musicians. The music is straight ahead jazz with a mix of original compositions and standards. (back to top)
TRACK LISTING /sound samples
PUBLISHED REVIEWS
“Smyser has a great tone, impeccable time and a seemingly natural flare for jazz improvisation. His lines are interesting, well developed and firmly in the bebop vernacular. Smyser's straight-ahead electric guitar playing is superb.” -Just Jazz Guitar Magazine
“Pete Smyser may have come Out of Nowhere with his debut CD, but one thing is for sure: He's here to stay. He displays a maturity and ease in his playing… reminiscent of the legendary Wes Montgomery.” -The Trenton Times
“There is something refreshingly warm in Smyser's fret work. Something actually human. And that's always the very best jazz offers at it's core.” -The Morning Call
“With the chops and confidence to open some ears, jazz guitarist Pete Smyser brings a sly sophistication to the structural integrity of standards that's equal parts feisty extroversion and playful fantasy.” -The Times Herald
Three and a half stars. “Swings without sounding like he's working hard. The playing is tight. Smyser is a good careful guitarist who shows promise as a composer. This jazz record should make the cut. It stands out from the rack.” -The Philadelphia Daily News
“Pete Smyser demonstrates that he is certainly more than able. Smyser plays long, well-paced bop-influenced lines that demonstrate ample technique but never lapse into showboating.” -Cadence Magazine
PERSONNEL
Pete Smyser guitar
John Swana trumpet and flugel horn
Bob Howell tenor and soprano saxophones
Darryl Hall upright bass
Byron Landham drums
