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Jonathan Smith Quintet CD - "En Route" Available Now

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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 the jazz community. Several of his best musical friends can be heard on his first recorded compact disc: Jonathan Smith Quintet—en route. On this project were veteran pianist/former Liberace musical director Bo Ayars; saxophonist Sam Solano, a multi- instrumentalist involved in many musical endeavors; in-demand bassist Robert Stragnell; and Matt Farina, an active Portland musician, on drums. Bonus track Georgia on my Mind features Ollie McClay, another of Smith's jazz colleagues, on vocals. The eleven tunes include two originals and a mix of both familiar and rarely heard jazz classics.

En route features a quintet comprised of musicians he has played with on various gigs but never before this session have they played as a unit. Smith selected these players not only for their musicianship but also for their ability to have fun with the music. The resulting album delivers solid and accessible jazz with something for many listening tastes.

The CD is available now from CD Baby, Amazon, I-Tunes, as well as other music suppliers.

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