Famous Father’s Local Company Invests in Area Jazz Musicians

By Kimberly C. Roberts, Tribune Entertainment Writer

While his world-famous son is traversing the planet promoting his hot new sci-fi action flick “I Robot,” Will Smith, Sr. is holding it down here at home. His burgeoning music company, Philly Through My Ear (PTME), established to provide opportunities for Philly jazz artists to record their compositions, is celebrating its second release, “Everybody Oughta Have One,” by Lucky Thompson’s DNA.

This satisfying 10-track collection, conceived and produced by Will, Sr., features the formidable talents of Lucky Thompson (drums), Umar Raheem (saxophone), Jeff Knoettner (piano), Lee Smith (bass), and Anthony “Tony” Smith [trumpet] – each a familiar name in Philly’s vibrant jazz community. All of the original tunes included in the project are written by Thompson, Raheem, and Knoettner.

The disc begins with the straight-ahead jazz of “Aquarian Spring.” “Rush Hour,” a Knoettner composition, is a bit more contemporary without crossing over into the “smooth jazz” realm. “The Prowler,” featuring the whimsical vocals of WRTI radio personality Warren Cooper and cool bass riffs by Lee Smith offers a refreshing change of pace, while the subtle bossa nova rhythm of “Isis” is a superb showcase for Thompson, Raheem and Tony Smith.

“Everybody Oughta Have One,” the follow up to the PTME debut release “Alfie,” by Philadelphia pianist Alfie Pollitt, features the technical excellence and musical versatility of Thompson’s cohesive creative unit. Both albums are available online at www.phillythroughmyear.com.

As Will Smith, Sr. continues to tap into Philadelphia’s wealth of up-and-coming musical talent while providing a stage for revered veteran artists, the possibilities appear to be endless.

Prime Cuts:
“Rush Hour”
“Crystal”
“The Prowler”
“Got-Zilla (Off My Back)”

The Philadelphia Tribune, Tuesday, July 20, 2004, ‘Arts & Entertainment,’ p. 1-C