Paul Smith (Pianist)

Paul Thatcher Smith ( born April 17, 1922 in San Diego, California, † June 29, 2013 in Torrance ) was an American jazz pianist.

Life and work

After a first collaboration with Johnny Richards in 1941, Smith went on for some years in the military. He then worked with Les Paul (1946 /47), the Andrew Sisters and Tommy Dorsey ( 1947-49 ) before he moved to Los Angeles and studio musician was; next he performed with own trio. Smith played with artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Anita O'Day, Buddy DeFranco, Louie Bellson, Steve Allen, Stan Kenton, Mel Tormé and others. Between 1956 and 1978, Smith was also active as a conductor and pianist for Ella Fitzgerald, with whom he went on a European tour in 1960.

Smith was also the author of several textbooks and CDs, mostly focusing on Smith's personal approach to jazz piano playing. He was known for his technique and his lyrical game and played on his numerous albums under his own name, which he recorded for labels such as Columbia, Capitol, EMI or Warner. Various genres such as bebop, cool jazz, swing, and even Pop

Disco Graphical Notes

• Cool and Sparkling (EMI, 1956) with Abe Most
• He Sells Jazz by the Sea Shore ( Warner, 65) with Wilfred Middlebrooks, Frank Capp
• Alpha Touch ( Outstanding, 1977)
• The Master Touch ( Outstanding, 1977)
• Art Tatum Touch, Vol 1 ( Outstanding, 1977)