Carson Smith (musician)


Carson Raymond Smith was an American jazz double-bassist. Carson is the older brother of jazz musician and composer Putter Smith.
Smith's early work was in West Coast jazz, playing with Gerry Mulligan, Chet Baker, Russ Freeman, and Chico Hamilton. Smith also recorded with Clifford Brown, Dick Twardzik, and Billie Holiday at Carnegie Hall. In 1959, he toured with Stan Kenton, then recorded with Charlie Barnet in 1960. In 1962, he moved to Los Angeles, playing with Charlie Teagarden and Lionel Hampton. He toured Japan with Georgie Auld in 1964. Later in the 1960s, he played with Buddy Rich, Arno Marsh, and Carl Fontana. He held a longtime residency at the Four Queens Hotel in Las Vegas, where he accompanied visiting musicians such as Art Farmer, Lew Tabackin, Zoot Sims, and Chet Baker.
He died of cancer in Las Vegas at the age of 66.

Discography

As sideman

With Chet BakerSings and Plays with Bud Shank, Russ Freeman and Strings Chet Baker Sings The Trumpet Artistry of Chet Baker Jazz at Ann Arbor
With Chico HamiltonChico Hamilton Quintet Chico Hamilton Quintet in Hi-Fi Sweet Smell of Success Ellington Suite The Original Chico Hamilton Quintet Spectacular!
With others