(Preview by Russell)Who or what is Kansas Smitty's? It's a band, it's a venue, it's a business venture. Founding member Giacomo Smith, Italian born, raised in New York, relocated to London to take up a day job and play jazz in the evenings. It didn't take long for the enterprising reedsman to make jazz his full-time occupation. With like-minded souls Kansas Smitty's was born - first the band, then the need for a permanent base led to the twenty-somethings opening up their own venue, and along the way finding time to hit the recording studio.
The band element of Kansas Smitty's is out on tour and it's coming to Gateshead. Trumpeter Pete Horsfall will be joining Smith on the road, as will Alex Harper, tenor. They're all about old school jazz with an eye - and ear - on the contemporary. In a few short years, they've released several recordings including a 7" single, a 'live' album and a series of EPs, the latest of which will be available at Sage Gateshead a week on Friday (Nov 9).
The band's guitarist David Archer will be on the tour alongside the ace rhythm section boys - Joe Webb, piano, Ferg Ireland, bass and drummer Will Cleasby.
Kansas Smitty's arrived on the London scene with a bang and the band is likely to make a big impact on its forthcoming tour...Gateshead Friday 9th, Belgium Nov 10, France Nov 11, then, in the not too distant future, the world! To be sure of your ticket for the Sage Gateshead show phone the ticket office on 0191 443 4666.
Russell.
Russell.
2 comments :
Not to be missed! I'm the band's numero uno fan in the northeast and have been ever since I reviewed their live album (see link). Can't wait - bring it on, spread the word!
Just read Paul Bream's 'Jazz Alert' and this gig is inexplicitly missing! Don't let that deter you, Roy Ayers at Hoochie is also missing! One of those nights when I want to be at at least two places!
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