Album Notes

So, here you have it…
…a live concert recording,
…a one shot deal with no second takes,
…and with only a single rehearsal.

As this concert approached, I felt fairly confident with my choices …
Kern’s timeless songs,
an amazing lineup of musicians who care so much and collaborate so well,
an outstanding recording engineer in Jim McGee.

Add to the recipe a receptive and enthusiastic audience and all the ingredients were in place for a wonderful concert experience. I hope that you enjoy listening to the music as much as we enjoyed performing it. – Pete Smyser

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For generations, jazz musicians have turned to American Songbook Standards as a source of inspiration. During the early part of the 20th century, the musical compositions of Jerome Kern were crucial in pioneering this uniquely American style of songwriting for stage and screen. Kern (1885-1945) had a special talent for creating beautifully satisfying melodies and his innovative writing style had a profound influence upon other prominent American songwriters of the era.

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The Jerome Kern Concert is the seventh CD that Pete Smyser has released as a leader.