WES SMITH

WE, THE FUNKY – VOL 1.

Los Angeles based saxophonist and composer, Wes Smith, brings the world a contemporary jazz album that reflects his musical journey. He comfortably blurs the lines between pop, jazz, R&B and smooth jazz.  Smith has worked with some of the legends of our time, including Stevie Wonder, Booker T. Jones, Poncho Sanchez and Justin Timberlake.  He’s recorded with Pharrell Williams, Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya and Robin Thicke. Consequently, this album steps forward with deep grooves and spicy funk rhythms.

Wes Smith has composed and arranged all the music, beginning with the title tune, “We, The Funky.” The arrangement actually begins more smooth jazz than funk until the break.  That’s when Donald Barret on drums steps into the spotlight. His rhythm patterns and soloing changes the complexion of this arrangement, along with electric bassist, Frank Abraham. Sam Barsh adds his Fender Rhodes piano parts.  Then the party is in full force.

Smith’s former albums boast “the Funk” and sound more like loops and dance house grooves.  For example, the Wes Smith “Juice” release.

This album, on the other hand, has more legato horn lines.  Although harmonically appropriate, I feel the ‘legato’ part takes away the punch and drive.  If the same arrangements had included punchy horn lines with the same harmonies, it would have better supported ‘the funk.’

Smith holds a Master’s in Jazz Studies from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor’s in Music from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York.  In describing his recent release, Smith says:

“My time in Los Angeles has been good to me. This record is about the sunshine and joy of that experience, and about the relationships that have made my musical journey so special.”

His original song, “Baby Steps” is meant to capture the happiness of fatherhood, mixed with the uncertainty that becoming a parent can bring.  “Ventura Penthouse” reflects a moderate tempo tune where someone could be enjoying their Penthouse life, lying quietly on the couch and listening to a smooth jazz tune like this one.  It features a bright trumpet solo by Maurice “Mobetta” Brown. Wes Smith plays Rhodes Piano on this track. Wes is also responsible for all the synthesized programming on this album.  In addition, Smith is a multi-instrumentalist and woodwind player who adds flute, alto flute, soprano and alto saxophone to this project.

Only tracks one and two have funk arrangements.  The album title threw me off a little bit, because the other three songs are not funky at all.

Band credits: Wes Smith, alto & soprano saxophone/flute/alto flute/Fender Rhodes Piano/synthesizers/mixing & editing; Frank Abraham & Dimitry Goredetsky, electric bass; Donald Barrett, drums; Sam Barsh, Rhodes piano; Erik Hammer & Adam Hawley, electric guitars. TRUMPET: Christopher Bautista, Maurice “Mobetta” Brown & Michael Cottone. TROMBONES: Khrystian Foreman & Justin Kirk.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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