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Chuck Smith Composer/performer Chuck Smith has taken the "bottom" to the top with his innovative showcase of the bass guitar utilizing his rich knowledge of chord theories. Once considered only a piece of the band, Chuck has dared to take the bass guitar from the background to the forefront, stepping forward to minister good news from a bass man's point of view. As Chuck so eloquently states, "Bass players are no longer just 'side men' -- let me play!" Chuck's multi-string (4-, 5-, 6- and 7-string) bass collection includes instruments from Ken Smith, Alembic, Ibanez, Fender, Pevey, Clavinger and four custom basses by Huey Wilkinson of New Caney, Texas. This collection also includes a Midi and Piccolo bass. A former member of the "Dallas Alive" television show band -- featuring Peter Marshall, Steve Lawrence and Foster Brooks -- Chuck has played in numerous jazz festivals including the following:
His international stops include Salamanca and Valencia, Spain, and Rio de Janeiro with pianist Joe McBride. Chuck's bass talent has landed him with some of the top acts in smooth jazz today, including:
Chuck is a passionated bassist. He loves his instrument and his famous multi-string (4-, 5-, 6- and 7-string) bass collection includes instruments from Ken Smith, Alembic, Ibanez, Fender, Pevey, Clavinger and four custom basses by Huey Wilkinson of New Caney, Texas. This collection also includes a Midi and Piccolo bass. But he is not only a collector of a huge amount of bass guitars, he is also one of the announced bassists of the outgoing century himself. He played the bass as a sideman in several famous jazz formations. We mention first of all Joe McBride and his album Double Take. He was one of the bassist on Pamela Williams album Eight days of ecstasy. Kenny Blake, Jeff Lorber, Kirk Whalum are his accompanists too. More of his rich past as a sideman can you experience at allmusic guide. His first solo project Basically Bass places the bass in the centre of attraction. On all tracks is the bass the main instrument. As Chuck so eloquently states, "Bass players are no longer just 'side men' -- let me play!" If you love bassists like Marcus Miller this is the right addition to your cd-collection. Chuck and Alex are the first names of Asaph Alexander Ward and Chuck Smith, those artists who played in all tracks and the title of the first track. Chuck plays a fat and heavy bass, masterly accompanied by Ward's keyboard and drum programming. Ward generates a whole brass section and he hits the point, incredible. It a sappy funky tune. Story Teller is a more dreamy piece on the background of Wards keyboard sounds, weaving in a perfect way using strings and e-piano strains. Chuck breathes new life in his bass playing bass-solos in a peerless manner. Pickle Juice offers the sound of Chuck's piccolo bass in an ultra-funky variation. Rodney Gadson adds some vocal sounds. In N, 2 Black Chuck raises the rapidity of his fingers to a new highest point. A perfect bass solo. Peace is with me is a reflective piece with nice strings, little chimes and wooden clicks - a typical candlelight and fireside chat music accompanied by Ward's sensible piano play. "Oh yeah, we want the funky", the Spiritual Funk is original pure funk music, giving Chuck anew the opportunity to reveal his mastership. Bad dog gives another example of good funk music, concentrated on Chuck's bass. The Agape Prise is a mixture of gospel, jazz and funk. After this short break Basically Bass - the title song - follows. Chuck comments: "I wanted to write and perform music that focused on bass instruments. It didn't matter what kind of instrument, as long as it was BASS.." and he plays the bass skillfully. The last piece Song of love Chuck has written for his late sister Marvelyn L. Manning, "whose spirit resides with us". Christopher D. Collier plays the sax in combination with Chuck with much passion, fire and intensity setting you in a final relaxing mood. After buying this record your bassical needs will be satisfied.
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