The L.A. Chillharmonic
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L.A. Chillharmonic
His newest project is called L.A. Chillharmonic assembling the contemporary jazz star alliance of Brian Bromberg (bass), Vinnie Colaiuta (drums), Alex Acuņa (percussion), Jeff Lorber (keyboards), Patrice Rushen and Greg Karukas (pianos), Greg Adams (trumpet), Gary Meek, Michael Paulo, and Eric Marienthal (sax).
"It's something that represents the best and brightest in my geographic
area," says Richard Smith. "Most major cities have a philharmonic
orchestra in the classical idiom, and some cities have municipal jazz
bands, but no city has something that represents a major musical genre
like instrumental jazz/funk/pop/R&B. And with this project I just wanted
to represent and celebrate the unique musical signature as Los Angeles
players, writers and arrangers." Checkin' You Out was composed by young guitarist Travis Vega, who is a rising star in the guitar scene (Just Let It Flow, Smooth Urban Night) and a really asked composer for such alike as Les Sabler, Andrew Neu and Richard Smith. A perfect groove for first-class guitarists like Richard. Another song by Travis is Gift, a through ball for bassist Brian Bromberg, guitarist Richard Smith and singers Patricia Rushen and Toni Scruggs. Also remarkable the piano fills of Bromberg and Rushen. A brilliant flow. One of the best songs of 2008. What makes Richard's
songs like Ultimate X so appealing? As a Professor of the
Studio/Jazz Guitar Department at the USC Thornton School of Music, one of
the top music schools in the world he knows his guitar chops. But there is
much more. The top-notch musicians, the perfect arrangements and the
superior horn section initiated by Tower of Power legend Greg Adams. The bluesy Back In The Day is the hot spot for a great jam. Excellent Brian Bromberg's bass injection and Greg Adams' horn background. Brian Mc Knight's elegant What We Do Here from his album Gemini (2004) finds a serious smooth jazz interpretation on Richard's glittering guitar. The slow Being With You by Travis Vega gives the right sound for some relaxation. Richard lets his guitar speak. We hear you! Patrice Rushen performs an excellent piano solo. Magnificent! Agrigento (Girgenti in Sicilian) is a city on the southern coast of Sicily, Italy with an extraordinarily rich archaeological legacy. Richard masterly captures the spirit of this mysterious city between history and modern age. The final explosion of this great group is Alvinator by Dan Siegel. Richard joined Dan's band at age 19 and recorded three albums with this popular keyboardist. A piece on which all band members can shine in a big jam. L.A. Chillharmonic. The
concentrated musical energy of L.A.'s best contemporary jazz musicians has
a new face. Richard, we wait for more!
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Education
plays a central role in the busy life of Professor Richard Smith.
Settled in the L.A. jazz scene Richard played with Dan Siegel, Kenny G,
Richard Elliot, Rick Braun and many more. His first album Inglewood
was followed by nine further solo albums. 
