Smith Dobson Quartet

Bay Area multi-instrumentalist Smith Dobson V brings his quartet to The Dawn Club, carrying on a remarkable jazz legacy that spans four generations. The son of the late Smith Dobson IV — the renowned pianist who directed the Jazz series at Garden City in San Jose for over twenty years and accompanied legends like Art Pepper, Stan Getz, and Bobby Hutcherson — Smith V is equally skilled on drums, vibraphone, and saxophone.

Growing up immersed in jazz, Smith V studied with legendary drummer Albert "Tootie" Heath, who praised his "totally advanced improvisational skills" and "excellent sensitivity." The family musical lineage includes his jazz accordionist grandfather Smith III, vocalist grandmother Norma, mother Gail, and sister Sasha — all vocalists who frequently performed together at venues and workshops throughout the Bay Area.

With nearly twenty years of performing experience, Smith V has collaborated with an impressive roster of jazz artists including Bobby Hutcherson, Red Rodney, John Handy, Sheila Jordan, Red Holloway, and Kenny Brooks. His quartet draws from the great American songbook alongside bebop classics and original compositions, creating performances that honor the tradition while showcasing the leader's multi-instrumental versatility.

The quartet has deep Bay Area roots, having held a long-running Tuesday residency at the now-defunct Club Deluxe for nearly a decade. Expect an intimate evening of swinging jazz that connects the dots between generations of San Francisco jazz history, delivered by musicians who understand both the technical demands and emotional depth of the music. Smith V's ability to move between saxophone, drums, and vibes during a performance adds a dynamic element that keeps the music fresh and engaging throughout the evening.