Mississippi River Rat, by Paul Smoker Trio

Mississippi River Rat

by Paul Smoker Trio

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bijou63 Another great restoration from the original LP.
All the hiss and crackles on my vinyl copy have disappeared -- wonderful! Favorite track: Regent.

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	1.	Shramba 05:36
	2.	Blues For Doc 08:57
	3.	Phon-Phun 06:21
	4.	Specific Impulse 06:26
	5.	Regent 10:51
	6.	Mississippi River Rat 04:15

about

“‘Mississippi River Rat’ … is one of the most educated sounds in the avant-garde: undeniably modern, it relies on the entire history of jazz. …

“‘Mississippi River Rat,’ … offers one of jazz’s most highly energetic trumpets, with respect for, allegiance to and derivation from the best players — Cootie Williams, Clifford Brown, Don Cherry and Lester Bowie. …

“Smoker’s trio is incredibly empathetic — employing constant polyrhythms. It sounds as if each is on a separate cycle, yet always coinciding with the others within the framework of avant-garde jazz. …

“Smoker is highly acclaimed in Europe. His music has skilled construction, respect for jazz history, and virtuosic play, all with a swing that places it among jazz’s most refined free improvisation. Now is the time for the music to be heard here.” — Jules Epstein, Philadelphia Tribune, March 21, 1986

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“Smoker on trumpet, bassist Ron Rohovit, and drummer Phil Haynes cook up some more meaty experimental blues and spicy bop tunes for which all three share compositional credit.

“What set Smoker and crew apart is not only their collective musicianship but, as well, their fearlessness and resolve to attack a book that might show lesser artists as mediocre. Each piece distinguishes itself rhythmically, tonally, and melodically, and the playing is done with verve and style, gusto and guts.” Arts Midwest

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“Never short of imagination, these musicians know how to combine power and velocity with musicality.” — Gustavo Cerutti, Jazz 360º (Switzerland)

“The history of jazz from traditional to the avant garde, so that one’s breath stands still.” — Jochen Becker, Metropol-Gesellschaft ([West] Germany)

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The second album by the Paul Smoker Trio.

credits

released October 13, 1985

Paul Smoker: trumpet
Ron Rohovit: bass
Phil Haynes: drums

Tracks 1 & 3 composed by Phil Haynes
Tracks 2, 5, & 6 composed by Paul Smoker
Track 4 composed by Ron Rohovit

Recorded by Martin Wieland

June 16, 1984, Tonstudio Bauer, Ludwigsburg, Germany

Cover image by H.L. Lindenmaier

Analog disc transfers by Matthew D. Guarnere. Edited & reconstructed by M.D.G. at What's Real Unlimited, February-March 2022, on behalf of the Smoker family.

Further remastered 2022 by Jon Rosenberg.

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

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