Jessika Smith

[Larry Kart]

Anyone familiar with this composer-bandleader-saxophonist, based in the Eugene, Oregon area? I've been quite taken with her first and so far only CD "Tricks of Light" (2015). I  sent a link to her site (where tracks can be listened to) to a very experienced/talented musician friend of mine, and his response was not favorable. I'd like to know what other think. First track to sample IMO would be "Swang." I'll post the link to her site below.

http://www.jessikasmithmusic.com

https://www.marmosetmusic.com/artists/jessika-smith-big-band

1) E-mail I sent to my friend:

 

"Just listened again to an album by the Jessika Smith Big band, “Tricks of Light” (2015), and was very impressed by the quality and novelty of her work.

 

Here’s her website:

 

http://www.jessikasmithmusic.com

 

There are links there to some of the tracks on her album (I’d listen to “Swang” first); more from the album may be available on YouTube. What I like about her is that her work swings, has a story-telling quality with a sense of humor at times (there are even a few shaggy dog moments), is primarily melodic, and that she tends to “paint” (so the speak) in relatively primary colors; none of that (to my mind rather precious)  Maria Schneider evanescence for her. Further, while the flavor of her work is by no means far-out, her writing doesn’t remind me of anyone else — except for the final openly and perhaps somewhat satirical neo-Basie track on the album “Buddy’s Blues.” Further, all of her soloists are quite good and quite individual for (I assume) U. Of Oregon college students or players who happen to be  based in the Portland area. Now that I think of it, she reminds a bit of Rod Levitt at times, which is a big plus in my book. Of the tracks that are linked to on her site, Smith solos on alto on “Song for Ellen.”

2) His reply: "I went to her website and listened to “Grey Monster,” “Cyan Thread,” and “Swang.”  I wish I could share your enthusiasm, but I can’t.

 

The phrase that kept running through my head was “Maria Schneider on Prozac.”  There’s not much energy to this music, and it doesn’t go anywhere.  Gary McFarland once said that Gerry Mulligan’s most valuable advice to him was: “Build for climaxes.”  

That’s sadly lacking here.  And the blank looks on the players’ faces at the end of each piece is telling.  They’re good players, and they want to go somewhere, but Smith won’t let them.

 

I know what you mean about Rod Levitt, though I doubt that Smith has ever heard of him or heard his music.  There’s a bit of Levitt-like levity (pun intended) in “Swang,” but again, it’s diluted and falls flat.

 

I'm always interested in checking out new music and composers, so thanks for the heads-up.  Sometimes failures or near-misses can be as instructive as successes. As for Smith, she’s young, and hopefully she’ll get better.  A good teacher would help.  

Maria Schneider was very lucky in that respect:  she had Brookmeyer and Gil Evans to kick her ass. "

 

P.S. (Me again): I've always found Maria Schneider's music at once bland/ and self-regardingly near repulsive. To me, she's not only always been on Prozac herself but also is prescribing it.

[Dan Gould]

Not as enthused as you Larry but Swang was more enjoyable to me than any of the big band tunes on the April BFT.  Pretty much had me at that bass figure, its a style that I am likely to enjoy. And in my opinion its not a track that needs to "go" anywhere. Its a mood setter which is nicely augmented by the solos.

I was less impressed by the other two youtube clips, and they helped me understand what your friend was getting at (liked Cyann a little better).  Not sure I'd want a CD of that style of writing but you're friend was pretty brutal and I am not sure she deserved that  -especially "a good teacher would help". What, her teachers have all sucked?

[Д.Д.]

Available on Spotify too: https://open.spotify.com/album/0KPFAqKjyChH1AQS3LXzK6

Will listen to it later.