Search - Daniel Smith, Martin Bejerano, John Sullivan :: Bebop Bassoon

An Impressive Multitalented Musician

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 06/07/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Until this recording, BEBOP BASSOON, this listener knew the name Daniel Smith only as related to his prodigious gifts as a classical bassoonist: his recording of the Vivaldi Bassoon Concerti is a stunning achievement and ranks him among the finest classically trained bassoonists today.



And then here comes BeBop Bassoon! Not being familiar with this aspect of Smith's gifts (I haven't heard his other jazz recordings) made listening to this unique CD a welcome discovery. Not only does Daniel Smith negotiate treacherous territory in the jazz idiom, he plays in such a centered fashion that the music feels as though it is coming directly from his soul. He is extremely well supported by his colleagues: Martin Bejerano on piano, John Sullivan on bass and Ludwig Afonso on drums. Each is a pro and seems to understand the dark sound of the bassoon playing jazz and find just the right equivalent of tone in their own instruments that makes this set of fine songs move into the pinnacle of jazz performance.



Works on the CD include favorites from Thelonious Monk ('Blue Monk'), John Coltrane ('Up Against the Wall'), Duke Ellington ("In a Sentimental Mood'), Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Charley Parker, Dexter Gordon, Horace Silver and Benny Golson. It is the cream of the crop and served with flavors you may have never tasted! Highly recommended. Grady Harp, June 06"

Embarrassing

Allen Hall | Ozarks, USA | 06/08/2007

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Missed attacks, cheesy music, and a blatty tone that sounds perpetually flat.



Look. I actually play this instrument. The bassoon can be a beautifully expressive and, yes, even funky, instrument in the right hands. Do not think for an instant that Daniel Smiths' are the right hands.



Instead, listen to Dag Jensen, or Klaus Thunemann, or Frank Morelli, or Masahito Tanaka, or David McGill, or Kim Walker, or Barak Stees, or Judith Leclair, or.. well, pretty much anybody who isn't Daniel Smith. Dag Jensen is my personal favorite.



And for bassoon jazz, listen to Paul Hanson. He actually plays interesting music with a presentable tone."

Blowing too hard

John Diaper | Geneva Switzerland | 06/21/2007

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I think I know the reason why all the tracks are out of tune..it's because of the recording technique and the fact that Mr Smith used a hard reed.This is why most of the tracks sound about a quarter tone off pitch.This is also why the sound is so perculiar and not at all like the usual bassoon sound.

Overall a poor recording and the improvisation is not experienced or engaging.Hanson or rabinowitz remain untouchable"