The compositions of jazz greats Charles Mingus and Thelonius Monk have strong storytellling qualities. I'm excited to present this new project in which we focus on tunes which have had lyrics written to them. A pleasure to play with these wonderful swinging musicians. Full details and links to the full versions below!
Malcolm Earle Smith (vocals/trombone)
Tony Kofi (alto)
Hans Koller (piano)
Caius Williams (bass)
Gene Calderazzo (drums)
Recorded at Oliver's Bar, London, UK, May 9 2024
Malcolm Earle Smith's new project “Mingus and Monk: Words and Music” explores the work of two pivotal musicians who bridge the early and modern jazz traditions. A number of songwriters have been attracted by the strong storytelling qualities of the compositions of Charles Mingus and Thelonius Monk. Mingus wrote lyrics to several of his own tunes - Joni Mitchell and Elvis Costello have penned others. Jon Hendricks is one of several singers to have provided words to Monk's quirky compositions, and the pianists' intriguing titles have also inspired Malcolm to write some of his own. Combining his skills as trombonist and vocalist, Malcolm is accompanied by a distinguished line-up of players. Together, they celebrate the work of these two jazz giants in a program which explores a wide range of musical emotions, combining words and music in a storytelling, sometimes topical interpretation.
Malcolm Earle Smith has been a widely respected trombonist, vocalist and educator on the UK scene for over 30 years.A stylistically versatile musician, he has performed with a variety of artists including Kenny Baker, John Dankworth, Henry Lowther, Liam Noble and Tony Kofi. He has also toured twice with Bryan Ferry, featuring on two of his albums 'As Time Goes By', and 'The Jazz Age'. A distinctive, swinging vocalist with an exciting approach to scat singing, Malcolm’s acclaimed album 'Vocal Intent' was released in 2022. A passionate educator, he has since 2007 been Senior Lecturer on the Trinity Laban Conservatoire jazz course.
In the 1990s Malcolm was mentored by, and became a friend of Mingus's great trombonist, Jimmy Knepper. On his death in 2003 the family gave him Knepper's horn, - a Vincent Bach 36, which he plays on this project.
.....breathes new life into old standards with huge flair... Malcolm Earle Smith , the new King of Scat (Dave Gelly review for 'Vocal Intent', Guardian 2022)
malcolmearlesmith.bandcamp.com/album/vocal-intent
Full versions of all tunes on this compilation can be found below
Portrait - ua-cam.com/video/MLajfTg9XgU/v-deo.html
Rhythm-A-Ning - ua-cam.com/video/1RJUVFnDsOo/v-deo.html
Remember Rockefeller at Attica - ua-cam.com/video/yfwwsXsx8Rk/v-deo.html
Think of One - ua-cam.com/video/Hwgt6ZJTKF8/v-deo.html
Monk's Mood - ua-cam.com/video/mtsKpA4J_m0/v-deo.html
Contact Malcolm: malcolmearlesmith@icloud.com