[mattsmith]

Last night I was a guest soloist at a concert near Atlanta with a rehearsal big band. They're mainly a group of talented semi pros and band directors. They do a decent job, the crowd was good, and it was nice to perform with them. This is part of my introduction into doing stuff like this guest performer thing, and we probably had about 40 total minutes to work on this. I'm not ready for big time sitting in yet with the very best big bands, so this kinda gig will suit me for the time being for sure. Actually I'm still mainly a combo person, but I do like big bands too.

Part 2 (solo 1 after Somewhere)

YouTube - Matt Smith/ West Side Story/ Part 2

Part 3 (solo 2 to the end)

YouTube - Matt Smith/ West Side Story/ Part 3

Since it's West Side Story and all, I'm sure some of the Rich fanatics will be trying to analyze what I've done here but that's cool. I'm debating where to show for a part 1, but for now I've posted the 2 main solos.
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[shazaam]

not a whole lot to say cept really good job.

[skinslapper]

Yeah, that was really great as always Matt. Just goes to show the different doors that one can open with this instrument. Hell even if you can't appreciate the art form, a steady pay in the theater is better than breakin rocks.

[juan (the ping-pong ref.)]

Very impressed. Reasonably small set, and in a suit.

[Church Drummer]

Matt, very impressive great solos what else can I say!!
You really get a lot of diverse sounds from the set.

[Tom Hurst]

Very tasty! Love the respect you pay to Buddy texturally/sonically using the cymbal timbre changes and pitch bend tom motifs. Very nice technique and approach. You obviously have a broad vocabulary of ideas and your very much in command of the band. Great job!

*Only suggestion, and it's probably more a matter of economics as we most of us can't afford to run out and buy an endless array of cymbals, but I'd use a darker/thinner ride cymbal for big band stuff: Something a little warmer/not quite as bright/harsh. (Could just be the mic on the camera and location as well.)