“…the excellent pianist Peter Smith…”
– Stephen Holden
New York Times
“Let’s be honest; if you grew up in the 80’s, Molly Ringwald’s name on this recording is probably going to make you want to give it a try. Give it a try anyway. Pianist Peter Smith has put out a cooking hard bop album that has that classic Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers/ Horace Silver groove to it. Songs like “Once Again” and “Webs” have that full bodied front line courtesy of Charles Owens and with a high stepping back beat by Trevor Ware on bass and Clayton Cameron on drums that is simply infectious. Smith’s piano work is something to check out as well, with his off to the races treatment of “Mean Streets” or his serenading trio work of “I’m in the Mood for Love.” His duet with Ware on “Blues For LeDonne” is sly and slick. As for Ringwald, she has actually got a great voice! She sounds mature, comfortable and assured on “I’ll Take Romance” and “I Just Want to Be With You.” Smith himself delivers a heartfelt original “My Daughter” that will pull on your heart. Here It Comes is an incredibly impressive release by Smith who is certainly a talent worth paying plenty of attention to.”
– George Harris
All About Jazz
“Ace pianist-arranger Peter Smith, a solid, bona fide jazz musician who swings in chords, like Oscar Peterson.”
–Rex Reed
New York Observer
“Performing with an expert jazz trio led by pianist/musical director Peter Smith…”
– Frank Scheck
Hollywood Reporter
“The gifted pianist and arranger Peter Smith… specialises in considered, handsome piano figures, measured and richly melodic.”
–Andrew Cartmel
London Jazz News
“Plus, we couldn’t have hoped for better accompaniment: Peter Smith (who co-produced the album with Ringwald) on piano, Trevor Ware on bass and the always-amazing Clayton Cameron on drums.”
– Jim Harrington
Jazz Times
“Ably and brilliantly supported by a four piece jazz combo, Piano, Bass, Drums and Saxophone, mention must be made of her friend, confident, fellow actor, arranger and musical director (Pianist) Peter Smith whose arrangements made this a class act…”
The Barefoot Review
Adelaide, AUS
“Behind these songs were some very clever arrangements and with charts written specifically for the album and tour. These are the work of the respected LA pianist/arranger Peter Smith. Peter has worked with Molly for some time and so he understood exactly what is required. He is a talented pianist with great chops but he followed the most basic rule of all. An accompanist must never get in the way of the singer. It is matter of utilizing just the right voicings and the chord placement must accent the singer’s performance not dominate it. Whether comping or taking a brief solo Peter was always tasteful. Not every accompanying pianist knows how to perform their duties so skillfully. The next night I invited Peter to a newly opened Jazz venue and he sat in with local musicians. In this situation he was able to let loose and he did, keyboards not withstanding.”
– John Fenton
Jazzlocal32.com
New Zealand
“The instrumentation on Except Sometimes is consistently solid, but pianist Peter Smith in particular deserves a tip of the cap for his accompaniment on track five, “The Very Thought of You” (originally written and performed by Ray Noble). A clear high point for the album, Smith’s gentle, flowing rhythms perform dutifully in highlighting Ringwald’s somber serenade. “
–Robby Ritacco
TheaterMania
Excerpts from a Review:
“Autumn Arpeggios at Jazz at the A Frame”
“Peter’s original work of art, “Put My Fears to Rest” was a calming and haunting whisper that spoke volumes in love and union. The resolving of within various moments in the song left you with an almost spiritually calming influence.”
“Peter performed a rendition of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart – “I Didn’t Know What Time It Was”. Mr. Smith was on vocals and Piano on this one and it was paradise personified. A very syncopated and enchanting swing immersed and a few bars into the tune…I didn’t know what time, day, or year it was and I didn’t care!”
– Kim Vinson
www.broowaha.com
Album: Blues At Alvas
“It was good to hear that Peter Smith has a new album “Blues at Alvas”. I’ve been following Peter’s career these past few years. He’s a fine pianist and singer. He surprised me as I didn’t know he sings. The arrangements on his new record are original. This new recording is backed by one of my favorite rhythm sections in LA, Clayton Cameron and Trevor Ware. Bravo!”
–John Beasley
Grammy-winning Jazz pianist
“Peter Smith’s artistic talents as pianist, composer, and singer reflect his inclusive and engaging nature as a man. This is a beautifully done CD with great performances by all. A truly memorable musical journey that one will enjoy taking again and again.”
–John B.Williams
internationally-renowned bassist and composer
“With superb, imaginative backing by pianist/music director Peter Smith…”
Richmond Times Dispatch
“I quickly realized why she was so locked into Smith — he’s a phenomenal player and innovative creator. On the swinging “I’ll Take Romance” (Oakland and Hammerstein), Smith showed virtuosic precision and inspiring creativity on his lengthy solo, even throwing in an “If I Only Had A Brain” quote at one point.”
–Matt Fernandes
KDHX St. Louis
