Words Underlined
Patrick Smith; Lowell Whitty; Dan Pitt
Lit Soc Records 001 (litsocrecords.bandcamp.com/album/words-underlined)
Saxophonist Patrick Smith has been a mainstay on the Toronto music scene for several years, carving out a creative and sustainable niche for himself. Words Underlined isn’t commercial or “mainstream,” but Smith is a consummate professional in those worlds, influencing his more adventurous creative playing in a positive way.
Toronto is full of great musicians, but an easy place to get pigeon-holed. Some “creative” players lack a visceral approach gleaned through commercial work, while many commercial players prioritize a well pressed suit over the ability to improvise. Toronto’s historically successful and respected players (Doug Riley and Moe Koffman come to mind) straddled that fine line, and I think Smith is carrying that torch in his own way.
Words Underlined features Dan Pitt on electric guitar and Lowell Whitty on drums. This bass-less format brings to mind drummer Paul Motian’s trio, but influenced or not, Smith’s Words Trio sounds unique. Pitt uses guitar effects in a tasteful way, never over-saturating his sound. Whitty contributes ample groove and embraces sparser moments too. Tracks like Hazel and As Years Go By utilize the intimate nature of the trio format, while parts of Banff demonstrate you don’t need a bassist to rock out.
A versatile group needs a versatile venue, and Sellers and Newel was the perfect place to bring this music to life. I look forward to hearing what’s next from the Words Trio and fledgling Lit Soc Records!
