Bassist Sean O’Bryan Smith injects a little soul, a
little jazz, a little blues and a lot of passion with Tapestry
(2012).
An accomplished composer, musician and clinician, Smith has worked
alongside many in the world of contemporary or smooth jazz. Among them
are Larry Carlton, Esperanza Spalding, Chuck Loeb and Gerald Albright.
“El Corazon” is a hard-charging piece with a Spanish vibe. Smith opens
with an ethereal bass solo before the rest of the band comes in. Whether
in lead or providing the backing rhythm, Smith firmly establishes the
groove and holds it together.
The introduction to “Just Being Me” sounds like a classic, blues guitar
solo. Then the groove kicks in, accented by a “wah” effect. The main
part of the song has a soul-jazz feel, like one of the 1960s or ’70s
instrumentals by bands like Junior Walker & The All-Stars or the
Mar-Keys.
Smith gets downright funky with “KM’s Groove.” Tight syncopation between
bass and muted trumpet is among the highlights. Another is Smith’s
slapping solo.
Smith wrote all 10 tracks for Tapestry.