Birdland Big Band
About
Website
www.chrissmithjazzdrums.com
Setup
Cymbals listed from left to right
14" Formula 602 Classic Medium Hi-Hat
20" Masters Dark Ride
21" Masters Medium Ride
22" Signature Traditionals Light Ride
Videos & Pics
Biography
Chris Smith is a drummer, author, and educator based in New York City. He has performed with a wide variety of jazz musicians including Randy Brecker, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Dick Oatts, and vocalist Patti Austin. As the drummer in the Birdland Big Band he performs every Friday at the world-famous NYC club. Additionally he plays frequently at venues such as Smalls, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, and the Jazz Standard. Chris is an active recording artist, with saxophonist Dick Oatts’ album Use Your Imagination (SteepleChase) serving as a recent and prime example of his drumming. Chris loves researching jazz history and is a published author. His book The View from the Back of the Band: The Life and Music of Mel Lewis is the only biography on drummer Mel Lewis. Available from the University of North Texas Press, the book presents a refined model for biographical research on a drummer by combining a complete biographical history with transcriptions, musical analysis, and a discography. A passion for teaching is reflected in his frequent work as a clinician. Most recently he has given drum clinics at the University of Connecticut, University of Nebraska-Omaha, USDAN Camp for the Arts, and the Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival. His higher education teaching experience includes a previous jazz faculty appointment at the University of Northern Colorado. Currently he offers online instruction through The Drum Hang on his website. Chris has earned a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from Northern Illinois University, a Master of Music in Jazz Arts from Manhattan School of Music, and a Doctorate in Jazz Studies from the University of Northern Colorado.
Setup Cymbals
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Details
Sizes: 20", 21"
Volume: Medium
Weight: Medium
Sound character: Bright, rich, open, full. Wide range, fairly clean mix. Even, responsive feel and very controllable. Pronounced, bright and meaty stick sound supported by a solid wash. All-purpose cymbal for a wide range of musical applications.
- Sounds
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Details
Sizes: 20", 22"
Volume: Soft
Weight: Light
Sound character: Dark, warm, smoky, breathy. Fairly wide range, complex mix. Soft feel with a quick response. Very well crashable. Controllable, peppery stick sound over a dark layered oriental, smoky wash. A ride cymbal that can easily be used in a small jazz club setting and flourish in other styles such as blues or country music.
- Sounds
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Details
Sizes: 14", 15"
Volume: Medium
Weight: Medium
Sound character: Rich, warm, full, silvery with a light touch. Wide range, fairly complex mix. Soft feel, easy to control. Lively, responsive and warm open sound. Full, precise chick sound. Versatile hi-hat for medium loud settings, perfectly suited for studio applications.
- Sounds
