Smith Dobson

[Michael Ellenberger]

I learned Saturday that Smith Dobson was killed in an auto accident
Friday April 20th on Highway 85 returning home after his gig. This
was truely depressing news. I expected to be able to watch his career
as I grew older. Bay Area jazzers will all know him. I spent numerous
evenings at Garden City watching Smith Dobson accompany the likes of
Joe Henderson, Bruce Foreman, Mundel Lowe, Ron Eschete, and countless
others. His piano playing was always a joy to listen to. This is
from the San Jose Mercury News.

Smith Dobson, beloved jazz musician

POPULAR BAY AREA PIANIST DEAD AFTER HWY. 85 CRASH

Jazz pianis Smith Dobson, 54, was killed Friday night, sending the Bay
Area jazz community into deep mourning over the loss of one of its bes-known
and best-liked figures.

Mr. Dobson was returning to his Soquel home after playing a date in Palo
Alto. He apparently lost control of his 1991 Toyota pickup just North
of the Saratoga exit. The truck left the road and rolled over, and
Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. An investigation is pending.

"The phone has been ringing non-stop; people keep saying, 'Why him?' This
is a tragic loss," said Dick Conte, a pianist and personality at jazz
station
KCSM who played Mr Dobson's music Saturday afternoon. "He was a really
genuine, sweet guy. Everybody loved him."

Mr Dobson was a pianist of national caliber who chose to work and teach in
the Bay Area. He also sang, sometimes with is wife, Gail. He arranged
songs, taught at the University o California-Santa Cruz and the Stanford
Jazz Workshop, anf for almost a decade was music director a the Garden
City Card Club.

"Smith was a very strong pianist. He knew how to listen, how to start
chords, how to develop primary and secondary themes, and he could change
at a moment's notice," said vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, whom
Mr.Dobson often accompanied. "But the main thing is, his music reflected
what a wonderful person he was."

Mr. Dobson was know as a quick study and a soulful improviser. A striking
figure on the bandstand, handome and impeccably dressed, Mr. Dobson used
the keyboard to explore the wonder and mystery of life.

"There's things you can teach and there's secrets, and Smith knew all
the secrets," Hutcherson said. "The secrets have to do with the
religious aspects of humanity. Smith knew how to pray."

Mr. Dobson's last date was with a trio at Icon, a new club in Palo Alto.
According to Jeff Chambers, who played bass Friday night, it was a typical
Smith Dobson night, with the pianist in total control of the material and
yet full of passion. Chambers, who has worked steadily with Mr.Dobson,
said that most of all, he will miss the unique communication the two had
on the bandstand.

"We would both be playing with our eyes closed and we'd play the same
line together and look at each other and laugh," Chambers recalled.
"When Smith was on the job, I always knew I was going to have some fun."

Echoing other musicians and jazz figures, Chambers said the Bay Area has
lost a figure it simply cannot replace.

"He did so many things for the jazz community," Chambers said. "I might
have been his favorite bassist, but he didn't hire just me when he
was working at Garden City. He spread the jobs out; gave everybody a
chance. He was always involved, like helping put the San Jose Jazz
Festival together.

"He did everything in such a nice way. He was just so beautiful!"

john hubner at jhu...@sjmercury.com

[Joe Finn]

I remember hearing him for the first time about 20 years ago when he was
backing Bobby McFerrin. He was a very fine player with a lot of style. I'm
sorry he's gone.

--
Visit me on the web. www.JoeFinn.net

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[smoy]

sorry to hear about Smith, as he was a great pianist and a great guy.

Skip

Michael Ellenberger <grumpm...@worldnet.att.net> wrote in message
news:B7099AB0.5D8%grumpm...@worldnet.att.net...

[Gil Ayan]

That is very sad news. Many years ago I used to live in Cupertino, not far
from Garden City and would go see Smith on Sunday nights. Actually, I saw
Ron Eschete for the fisrt time playing with Smith there, and I also saw Joe
Pass jamming with Smith. Not only was Smith a fine pianist, he obviously
knew a great guitarist when he saw one. :) But in spite of being a
guitarist, I would just go see Smith because he was a great act to watch.
Seemed like a very nice guy, and a beautiful musician.

Gil

[Edison Ed]

I also saw Smith at the Garden City often when I lived in the south bay area. I
met John Stowell there many years ago and since then have become good friends.
I was also able tohear Smith with Joe Pass, Joe Henderson, Bruce Foreman and
many others.
A great loss for the jazz community.
E.D.

[Michael Ellenberger]

For anyone interested here are some links that came my way
recently.

http://www.brunijazzart.com/Smith%20Dobson%20Tribute.htm

Mike

--
Mike Ellenberger
Listen to some soundclips at
http://home.att.net/~grumpmeister/MikesJazzPage.html