Brass Reality, by Paul Smoker

Brass Reality

by Paul Smoker

supported by

	/

Streaming + Download

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

Purchasable with gift card

$7 USD or more
Compact Disc (Nine Winds CD)
Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

Includes unlimited streaming of Brass Reality via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

Sold Out

1.	Solo Prelude 02:40		buy track
2.	Fractals, Part 1 07:42	info	buy track
3.	Waltz 09:49		buy track
4.	Harmon City 04:20		buy track
5.	Phil's Blues 04:41		buy track
6.	Fractals, Part 2 07:05		buy track
7.	Coda - Brass Reality 01:45		buy track

about

"This is vivid, thoughtful, emotionally compelling music… If you've ever harbored fears or doubts about abstract improv, this is a good place to get over them." — Paul de Barros, Downbeat

1. Solo Prelude
2. Fractals, Part 1
3. Waltz
4. Fanfare & Procession
5. Harmon City
6. Phil's Blues
7. Alice's Legacy
8. Fractals, Part 2
9. Coda - Brass Reality

"A lot of albums that explore extended techniques are stiff, stuffy or down-right stillborn. Not this one, an unusual, three-brass and percussion project led by Paul Smoker, a virtuoso trumpeter (and erstwhile Anthony Braxton sideman) in both jazz and modern classical idioms who wrote his Ph.D. on trumpet technique. Smoker's a searcher, but hot, red blood runs through his veins, and his music has drama, urgency, and fire… This is vivid, thoughtful, emotionally compelling music—and well-recorded, too, with a nice spread and separation between the three brass. If you've ever harbored fears or doubts about abstract improv, this is a good place to get over them." — Paul de Barros, Downbeat (November 2002)

"The players are clearly proficient with a knack for imagery and playfulness, though the sense of seriousness is never lost. Smoker and compatriots explore the breadth and scope of emotion and technical possibility that brass players rarely even scratch. Brass Reality is a sandblasted brass bas relief." — Mark E. Gallo, www.JazzReview.com

credits

released May 6, 2014

Paul Smoker, trumpet
Herb Robertson, trumpet, valve trombone, Eb tuba
David Taylor, bass trombone & BBb tuba
Phil Haynes, drums and percussion

Recorded in New York, June, 1997
Released 2002, Nine Winds NWCD0241

produced by Phil Haynes; Paul Smoker, executive producer

license

about

Paul Smoker Rochester, New York

PAUL SMOKER: trumpet, composer, educator (1941-2016):
"What Paul Smoker produced on his horn was unheard of in these latitudes; his complete command of his instrument allowed him to play whatever extravaganza he would think of… To the widely discussed question about the future development of the jazz trumpet, [his] musical concept could definitely constitute a far-reaching answer." (Jazz Podium) ... more

PaulSmoker.com

contact / help

Contact Paul Smoker

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this album or account

If you like Paul Smoker, you may also like:

Duopoly
by Kris Davis

supported by 9 fans who also own “Brass Reality”

Taking 'aural stocktake' recently, it struck me how pervasive Kris Davis' playing was on my recent listening...I'd almost taken her for granted...sorry Kris, I won't do that again! This is a wonderful album/project and lets her playing shine...lots of essential duets here...so pleased to hear her say (and confirm my suspicion) that Paul Bley was an inspiration...he's a cornerstone of my listening and it seems that Kris is becoming one too! John Cratchley
go to album
Away With You
by Mary Halvorson

supported by 8 fans who also own “Brass Reality”

Some of the finest, clearest compositions for octet ensembles. From the very beginning of Spirit Splitter, I'm hooked. Tim
go to album
The Ragging Of Time
by SFS

supported by 7 fans who also own “Brass Reality”

Traditional jazz reloaded, or how play older jazz styles in another view Ulrich Jonas
go to album
Open The Gates
by Irreversible Entanglements

featured on Bandcamp Radio Aug 31, 2021
go to album
Homeless/Global
by Irreversible Entanglements

The sprawling new single from Irreversible Entanglements continues their combination of roiling free jazz and potent spoken word. Bandcamp New & Notable Dec 16, 2019
go to album
Ism
by Junius Paul

featured on Bandcamp Radio Oct 22, 2019
go to album
Live at Firehouse 12
by Gerald Cleaver & Violet Hour

supported by 7 fans who also own “Brass Reality”

Pure Jazz! Pure Joy! Man these guys are playing some smokin' hot tunes! I got drawn in by Pilgrim's Progress, but had to go outside Bandcamp to sample the other tracks. Not every fan will do that and Sunyside Records is doing their roster a disservice by not allowing the entire album to be heard. Top notch drummer, composer and one hell of a band. Rob O.
go to album