PAUL SMITH - Fly Me To The Moon

Paul Smith (April 17, 1922), also known as Paul T. Smith is a jazz pianist. He was born in San Diego, California and is often praised for his brilliant technique and lyrical playing. He has performed in various genres of jazz, most typically bebop. However, he has also explored cool jazz, swing music, and even traditional pop. After playing early on with Johnny Richards in 1941 and spending a couple of years in the military, he worked with Les Paul (19461947) and Tommy Dorsey (19471949) before moving to Los Angeles and becoming a studio musician. Smith has recorded frequently both with his trios and as a soloist. In addition he is featured on work of 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 active as a conductor and pianist for Ella Fitzgerald. Smith has authored a number of educational books and CDs, most of which focus on explaining his particular approach to jazz piano.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• PAUL
• SMITH
• Fly
• Me
• To
• The
• Moon
• jazz
• piano

[Smoothenbol]

unbelievable talent.... where can I buy this CD?

[ramoburg]

@Smoothenbol

I don't think this alum is in CD. This came from an LP from my collection.

[micheleayers]

Paul T. Smith is truly the best! And you can still hear his magic at the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, Ca. on Thursday nights! For those who asked, CDs are still available of past and current works.

[exjazzbassbaz]

paul smith is a wonderful underated pianis who played with the best all his life.a great jazz piano player.many thanks.

[Jazz4Joe]

Wonderful. Paul Smith is truly a great pianist and I've been a fan of his since I purchased his "Liquid Sounds" album back in 1955.

[ebierke]

Paul Smith is a giant.  He has a great family, and has had an extremely successful career doing what most of us only dream about. My grandparent's next door neighbor in Madison, Wisc told me way back in 1984 that I need to see Paul Smith in Redondo Beach. I told him I just saw Paul last weekend in Redondo (I was living in Redondo at the time), and he said that Paul was his piano player in Germany during WWll. What a small world! And now Paul's grandson & I are good friends. Coincidence?

[loujug1]

One of the least known talents in piano history. I remember hearing him on record with the Billy May big band, but it was years before sleeve notes gave me his name, Saw him in Portsmouth in the 60's with Jazz at the Philharrmonic with Shelly Manne on dfrumsand was astounded. What apairing! I liked him better on more lyrical jazz but it's just my preference.

[spadge1able]

great video.top draw RAMOBURG

[AgelessDancer]

The picture of the heavy guy from Kansas who calls himself Paul Smith should not be in this YouTube posting. The REAL Paul Smith is very tall and much thinner and much more of a legendary craftsman than the Kansas, metoo guy in these photos. Paul was actually with Ella Fitzgerald for over 25 years, Sammy Davis Jr., Sarah Vaugh, etc. and still is alive playing and performing with his same beautiful sound.

[EdWaldrup]

This and other terrific Paul Smith music is available from OutstandingMusic and iTunes as well. Paul was Ella Fitzgerald's pianist/conductor for 12 ears. Look him up on MelBay.com. I am a huge fan.