In 1963, Hal Smith began drumming. His inspiration came from hearing jazz musicians live: Ben Pollack and Wayne Jones, Fred Higuera, Nick Fatool, and especially Nick Fatool. Jake Hanna taught him later. Big Sid Catlett’s recordings, Dave Tough’s, Morey Feld’s, Gene Krupa’s, George Wettling’s, Jo Jones, Morey Field, Morey Feld, Gene Krupa and Ray Bauduc have also inspired Hal. Hal has been a member of many well-known groups, such as the Dukes of Dixieland and Jim Cullum Jazz Bands, New Black Eagle Jazz Bands, Jim Cullum Jazz Bands, Butch Thompson Trio and New Orleans Hot Jazz. His own groups include the Roadrunners with Bobby Gordon and Rebecca Kilgore, Hal’s Angels with Anita Thomas, Katie Cavera, the New El Dorado Jazz Band and Jazz Chihuahuas. Frisco Syncopators. California Swing Cats. He has played Blues, Western Swing, and Rockabilly in a variety of bands. Hal has recorded over 200 recordings and appeared on many radio and television broadcasts. Apart from his drumming, Hal is an accomplished journalist. His articles and reviews have appeared in the Mississippi Rag and American Rag, Jazz Rambler and Just Jazz (U.K.), as well as reprints throughout jazz publications across the U.S. Hal also has a long association with America’s Finest City Dixieland Jazz Society. He has served as the Festival Steering Committee President, Assistant Director, Board Member and an instructor at AFCDJS’ annual Adult Jazz Camp. He is currently the San Diego Jazz Fest’s Artistic Advisor. from http://halsmithmusic.com/
