Big Men

The Paul Smith Trio & Quartet - The Big Men + The Sound Of Music (1959-60) {2014 Fresh Sound Records 24-bit Remaster}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 386 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 187 Mb
Full Artwork @ 600 dpi (jpg) -> 169 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 2014 Fresh Sound Records | FSR-CD 838 | 24-bit remaster
Jazz / Cool / Bop / Piano

The two enticingly swinging sessions brought together here find pianist Paul Smith in typically well-crafted form, with “The Big Men” a joyously engaging date in which he is heard performing solo or in a trio. Much skill, considerable feeling, and unceasingly ebullient energy transform this album into a thoroughly listenable program of modern jazz, throughout which his lines show strong classical influence and clear indication of his imposing compositional talent (Theme for Theda). The playing of the trio is crisp and knowing, and there are moments of brilliant musicianship by Smith with the fine support of Vinnegar and Levey, two swingers who keep the pulse vibrant.

In 1997 when “Big Men Cry” was originally released on Planet Dog Records, no one could have predicted the chaos that would surround and follow it. The campaign was a classic case of the record company marketing one thing and the artist recording another. In this instance, the label and many of the public alike wanted “another Last Train to Lhasa” but for Toby Marks (AKA Banco de Gaia), another “Lhasa” was the last thing on his mind.
Add to that a breakdown of relations between Toby and the record label and you have all the necessary components for a pretty uncomfortable album release. This was compounded by Ultimate Records, who licensed the Planet Dog label, going into liquidation shortly after the album’s release…

Geoff and his mighty Souldiggers lay down a powerful set of blues, funk & soul inspired originals. Feat: Mal Logan, Roger McLachlan & Gerry Pantazis.