Tommy Smith - Spartacus

Scottish saxophonist Tommy Smith has recorded 15 solo albums for Blue Note, Linn and Hep Records. His albums have featured Jack DeJohnette, John Scofield, Eddie Gomez, Kenny Wheeler and Jon Christensen and have included over 60 original compositions, the music of Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn and a mix of classic jazz standards. He joined Gary Burton's Group at the age of 18 in 1985 and has been performing throughout the world ever since.Smith's 16th solo album 'Spartacus' was recorded in New York City at Clinton Studios in September 2000 direct to 2-track analog by the best engineer in the business, James Farber. This is purely a live in the studio recording with the warmth, beauty and excitement of the old analog sound which is extremely important to Smith's overall concept as record producer.Along with Smith's luscious saxophone sound, this recording features drummer Clarence Penn and bassist James Genus and the beautiful piano playing of Kenny Barron. Smith had enjoyed working with Kenny Barron so much on his Ellington ballads recording he was first choice for his first standards setting since this Blue Note release in 1991. The music is simply straight ahead swinging jazzfeaturing four delicious ballads and the memorable waltz Emily. This enhanced CD also features a short movie including behind-the-scenes footage of the New York recording session.Since Stan Getz died, Smith must be one of the chief contenders for the most beautiful saxophone sound in the world. - Birmingham PostSmith comes across as a true star, inhabiting the sound of his saxophone in a way very few players anywhere in the world are capable of. - The Independent Personnel: Tommy Smith (tenor saxophone), Kenny Barron (piano), James Genus (bass), Clarence Penn (drums)