Smooth jazz has always seemed like a contradiction in terms. The idea that jazz, a musical gift to America from black people that includes revolutionary concepts of cooperative improvisation and trust, could have its edges beveled and the thrill of spontaneity muted and made “safe”, would be like taking the revolution out or revolutionary and just leaving the airy. Smooth FreeJazz is a creative display of this dichotomy by contrasting a smooth center with a fiery edge. Who better to lead the way than Dave Sewelson, one of the oldest members of New York’s Downtown Scene. Instead of music being a shag rug on the floor with the scent of air freshener, we see that it's a dirt floor with a strong wind through the window.
1. Nature Boy
2. Song Moth
3. The Moment
4. Bill
5. Nature Boy (radio version)
Dave Sewelson – Baritone Saxophone, Voice
Mike Neer – Lap Steel Guitar
Dave Hofstra – Bass
Bernice “Boom Boom” Brooks – Drums
Recorded at Park West Studios, Brooklyn, NY
Recording Engineer, Mixing and Mastering - Jim Clouse
Cover Art - Mark LaRiviere
Cover Design: Chad Anderson
