QB by Paul Smoker Trio

“These Iowa jazzmen have three obvious influences: Anthony Braxton, the JCOA/AACM schools of free-form, and Mario Andretti." — Steve Hecox, OPtion Magazine

The debut recording of the Paul Smoker Trio, with special guest Anthony Braxton.

“This is a disarmingly fine record of powerful freebop, worthy of the obvious accolade: it’s a smoker. … Two of the reasons he smokes are the fires at his back; Rohovit and Haynes are a gratifyingly aggressive rhythm section. … [Anthony] Braxton plays with such freewheeling gusto on ‘QB’ in particular, he sounds like he’s having an uncommonly good time.” — Kevin Whitehead, in Cadence

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“Smoker’s trio is incredibly empathetic — employing constant polyrhythms. It sounds as if each is on a separate cycle, yet always coinciding with the others within the framework of avant-garde jazz. …

“Finally, the last two cuts with Braxton are pure fire. On ‘Baps’, the two horns play with, and ignite, a soulful hardbop motif, while ‘QB’ features alto and trumpet in a modernistic and impassioned horn battle reminiscent of ‘The Chase’.

“Smoker is highly acclaimed in Europe. His music has skilled construction, respect for jazz history, and virtuosic play, all with a swing that places it among jazz’s most refined free improvisation. Now is the time for the music to be heard here.” — Jules Epstein, Philadelphia Tribune, March 21, 1986

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“[Anthony Braxton’s] sound fits well into the virtually avant garde side one and side two’s nuclear age, bop-soaked blues. I’d guess this trio stirred up Braxton’s juices. … QB is a powerful statement by four artists dedicated to jazz’s avant garde directions.” — Arts Midwest

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“These Iowa jazzmen have three obvious influences: Anthony Braxton, the JCOA/AACM schools of free-form, and Mario Andretti. This last reference may sound a bit obscure, but from the opening phrases of the album it’s clear that Smoker is perfectly capable of setting a world speed record for trumpet…” Steve Hecox, OPtion Magazine

Tracklist

1.	Slip-Slot	6:33

2.	Song For Andrew	5:28

3.	Gemini-Scorpio	6:47

4.	Saeta	5:52

5.	Blue Jungles	8:27

6.	Baps	6:47

7.	QB	7:39

Credits

released October 4, 1984

Paul Smoker: trumpet
Ron Rohovit: bass
Phil Haynes: drums
Anthony Braxton: alto saxophone (tracks 4, 6, 7)

Tracks 1, 2, 6, and 7 composed by Paul Smoker
Tracks 3, 4, and 5 composed by Phil Haynes

Recorded by Steve Sargeant

February 10 and 11, 1984, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA

Cover art by Andrew Smoker
Design: Gary Port Art Studio

Analog disc and tape transfers by Matthew D. Guarnere. Album edited, reconstructed & remastered by M.D.G. at What's Real Unlimited, February-March 2022, on behalf of the Smoker family.

Further remastered 2022 by Jon Rosenberg

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