The Band
Chris Smith
Sousaphone
A second-generation jazz musician and son of New Orleans, Chris added Sousaphone to his cadre of instruments after 10 years as a professional trombonist because there were no traditional jazz tubists left in the Detroit area. He has a great affinity for early jazz styles and currently manages and plays with a 10-piece dance orchestra called Phil Ogilvie's Rhythm Kings (P.O.R.K.), based in Ann Arbor.Contrasting his traditional jazz roots, Chris is also a trombonist who performs modern jazz with equal enthusiasm and seriousness. He is an expert on jazz trombone giant J.J. Johnson and received much help and inspiration from his mentor during his later years. Chris was consulted for Johnson's biography, authored his discography, has written articles, reviews and conducted interviews with his "musical grandfather", and continues to spread Johnson's music and spirit through performing his own transcriptions of Johnson compositions and arrangements.
Chris' own tunes or arrangements have been performed and recorded by many top Michigan bands. He has performed as a musician fluent in all styles of jazz for 15 years all over the state of Michigan, throughout the U.S. and Canada, and in Europe. He has recorded numerous albums with Michigan's top musicians and performs regularly with Marcus Belgrave, Paul Keller and James Dapogny. A new album by Maria Muldaur with the Chicago Jazz Band (due in early 2007) features Chris on both Sousaphone and trombone.
He manages to squeeze in his musical activites when not doting on his two wonderful young daughters, Bonnie and Piper, who will shortly eclipse their father's accomplishments in the world of music.
For Booking Information:Email: john@brassjarmusic.comPhone: 734-945-5984 |
