Home » Jazz Musicians » Jonathan Smith

Jonathan Smith

Jonathan Smith first played guitar at 4 years old. After hearing saxophonists Eddie Harris and Robert Hutchens (who was playing in Mel Brown’s Jazz Quintet), he was soon hooked on jazz. In his early 20‘s he took up tenor saxophone, playing for a couple of years in a Portland jazz combo.

Smith has studied with many greats, including: Anthony Wilson, Dan Balmer, Bruce Forman, Ron Eschete, John Stowell, Mike Bloomfield, and Graham Dechter. He also fondly recalls a memorable impromptu lesson with the great Bucky Pizzarelli. Smith cites many influences and inspirations, but the primary ones are Charlie Parker, Robert Hutchens, Jimmy Heath, Christine Jensen, Ingrid Jensen, Benny Green, Randy Johnston, Dan Faehnle, and, Terry Haggerty.

His nickname, “Chief,” comes from his 30-year career in firefighting where he recently retired from a Portland area fire department. While building his musical repertoire he has played in various Portland area venues such as Brasserie Montmartre, Living Room Theaters, Pioneer Square, Tony Starlight’s, Dy’s Broadway Supper Club, The Globe, Terrace Kitchen, Vintner’s Cellar, The Blue Room, West Cafe, Shirley’s Tippy Canoe, and the Afrique Bistro. Smith feels privileged to have created music with many truly great musicians. Among them are Javon Jackson, Alan Jones, Randy Porter, Mike Horsfall, Marcus Reynolds, Clay Giberson, Mark Simon, Joe Millward, Phil Goldberg, Laura Cunard, Craig Bidondo, Ollie McClay, George Mitchell, Gordon Lee, Hank Hirsh, Kevin McCarthy, Scot Ranney, Nelda Swiggett, Karin Carson, Patrick Harry, Dave Speranza, Sam Hirsh, and Clif Swiggett.

Among his many friends and acquaintances in the jazz community, Smith selected several of his favorites for his first recorded compact disc: Jonathan Smith Quintet - en route - including veteran pianist/composer/arranger Bo Ayars, saxophonist Sam Solano, bass player Robert Stragnell, vocalist Ollie McClay; and Matt Farina, on drums.

Tags

81
Take Five With...

Take Five With Jonathan Smith

Read "Take Five With Jonathan Smith" reviewed by Jonathan Smith


Meet Jonathan Smith: Portland, Oregon jazz guitarist, playing in the stylistic tradition of Grant Green. Instrument(s): Guitar.Teachers and/or influences? Dan Balmer, Bruce Forman, and many other great musicians I've had the good fortune to spend time with. A few special influences are: Ingrid Jensen, Benny Green, Randy Porter, Quincy Davis, and Bucky Pizzarelli.I knew I wanted to be a musician when... I have been passionate about ...

151
Album Review

Jonathan Smith Quintet: En Route

Read "En Route" reviewed by Dan Bilawsky


Portland-based guitarist Jonathan Smith spent three decades putting out fires, but he lets things burn on En Route. The retired firefighter-cum-jazz guitarist assembled a crew of musicians with whom he'd performed in live settings at various times, to record a debut album which, as Smith himself says, “delivers solid and accessible jazz." Smith's music isn't made to push boundaries and challenge his potential listeners; it's simply straight-up, straight-ahead jazz that's easy to digest. Blues, boogaloo, swing, calypso, ...

Read more articles
78

Recording

Jonathan Smith Quintet CD - "En Route" Available Now

Jonathan Smith Quintet CD - "En Route" Available Now

Source: Jonathan Smith

FORMER FIRE CHIEF RELEASES JAZZ CD Jonathan Smith has just released a debut CD of jazz music. His nickname, “the Chief," comes from his 30-year career in firefighting where he recently retired as Deputy Fire Chief of Clackamas County Fire department. While building his musical repertoire he has been fortunate to play in many Portland area venues including Tony Starlight's Supper Club, The Globe, Terrace Kitchen, Vintner's Cellar, and the Afrique. He has also made many friends and acquaintances in ...

"Solid debut recording...straight-up, straight-ahead jazz..." —All About Jazz

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

En Route

Self Produced
2011

buy

Videos

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.