Smith Dobson's Friends with Benefits at California Jazz Conservatory

Smith Dobson leads this exciting new group, performing original contemporary jazz strongly influenced by Ornette Coleman, Duke Ellington and Jackie Mclean. Featuring Dobson on alto saxophone, Ben Goldberg on clarinet, Michael Coleman on piano and Doug Stuart on bass.

About Smith Dobson
Drummer, vibraphonist and saxophonist Smith Dobson V has been performing in the Bay Area for over twenty years. Originally from Santa Cruz, Dobson is a member of an important jazz family. His father, the late Smith Dobson IV, was a world-renowned pianist and director of the jazz series at Garden City in San Jose for over twenty years, where he accompanied the likes of Art Pepper, Stan Getz, Bobby Hutcherson, Harold Land, Chet Baker, Red Norvo, Tal Farlow, and Lee Konitz to name a few. Also in the family, Grandfather Smith III is a jazz accordionist; Grandmother Norma, Mother Gail, and Sister Sasha are all jazz vocalists....

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Smith Dobson leads this exciting new group, performing original contemporary jazz strongly influenced by Ornette Coleman, Duke Ellington and Jackie Mclean. Featuring Dobson on alto saxophone, Ben Goldberg on clarinet, Michael Coleman on piano and Doug Stuart on bass.

About Smith Dobson
Drummer, vibraphonist and saxophonist Smith Dobson V has been performing in the Bay Area for over twenty years. Originally from Santa Cruz, Dobson is a member of an important jazz family. His father, the late Smith Dobson IV, was a world-renowned pianist and director of the jazz series at Garden City in San Jose for over twenty years, where he accompanied the likes of Art Pepper, Stan Getz, Bobby Hutcherson, Harold Land, Chet Baker, Red Norvo, Tal Farlow, and Lee Konitz to name a few. Also in the family, Grandfather Smith III is a jazz accordionist; Grandmother Norma, Mother Gail, and Sister Sasha are all jazz vocalists.

In January 2007, he released his first album of original compositions entitled Basement Bloodlines on the Evander Music label, featuring Devin Hoff on bass, Vijay Anderson on drums, John Finkbeiner on guitar, and Dobson on vibraphone.

Dobson sings and plays bass in the indie rock band Grand Lodge, who released their self-titled debut in 2010. He was featured at this year’s Monterey Jazz Festival with his band Prez Kids, playing jazz influenced by the iconic Lester Young and early swing era.

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