A renowned jazz trumpeter, composer and music educator with ties to Rochester has died. Paul Smoker died Saturday at the age of 75.
He was also a faculty member at Nazareth College, where his wife, Beverly Smoker, is a professor of music and chair of the music department.
A statement from the collegesays that Smoker found his passion in both classical and jazz music since he first heard trumpeter Harry James on the radio at the age of 10. By 14, he was performing professionally at jazz clubs in Illinois, not far from his hometown of Davenport, Iowa.
Smoker also played much of the classical trumpet repertory and was a member of the Iowa Brass Quintet for 10 years. In 2001, he was appointed to coordinate the jazz studies program at Nazareth College.
The Paul Smoker Trio played jazz festivals throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. Smoker appeared on 50 recordings and worked with a wide variety of musicians including Barry Altschul, Anthony Braxton, Al Jarreau, Art Pepper, David Sanborn, Doc Severinsen and others.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held May 26th at Linehan Chapel at 1 p.m. on the Nazareth College campus.
