Derek Smith says “When a musician records, he or she is saying in effect to the listener, “Here I am, this is what I am capable of, this is the best I can do.” The completed album may not always work out this way, but the audience is entitled to this interpretation.

Happily I have no qualms about this album. George, Bob and I worked together for a long time with Benny Goodman and always said we would make this album sooner or later. We all quit working for Benny, not en masse, but individually in those quaint non-get-togethers that typify Benny’s relationships with musicians, and the opportunity to get the album our of our systems did not arise until Gus Statiras beamed into town and reminded us how well we played together in Richmond in 1971.

Having played “Love For Sale” as a concert solo for most of my adult life, I feel that this version is the definitive one and I can now concentrate on learning something else. There is something about this tune that I find particularly haunting and interesting to blow on. It’s the continued change from minor to major and back again. Cole Porter really knew something.”

Derek Smith Trio
Derek Smith – Piano
George Duvivier – Bass
Bobby Rosengarden – Drums