The Smart Fellers Trio

~~ The Smart Fellers are a Northern California based swing band having the distinction of being one of very few bands to have had their first show in an elevator. Alan K. Parks (bass fiddle) and Mark Larson (guitar and vocals) were playing a show at a convention that took up an entire hotel in San Diego. After the show, they had some time on their hands and decided to perform acoustically in the elevator. While playing for four hours to great acclaim, The Smart Fellers were born! After a few gigs as a duo, their friend Bonnie Otto, an expert in the art of stride piano, was added. Eclectic influences form the band's sound. Think Louis Jordan and Cab Calloway meets Bob Wills. Other sounds sneak in, too, such as: Pink Floyd and shades of lounge music. The band thrills in playing classic rock songs in a retro swing style, keeping audiences on their toes while keeping the dance beat swinging. The core of The Smart Fellers’ sound are Otto's driving stride piano, Larson's rhythmic guitar strumming and Parks’ solid bass lines. Larson doubles on heartfelt vocals bringing the songs to life. If a fuller sound is desired, the band can add their friends JB Duff (drums), Dave Johnson (trumpet, cornet, trombone, alto horn) and Otis Mourning (saxes and clarinet). The Smart Fellers are all expert musicians, and play music as their primary livelihood. They have have performed at the Napa Town and Country Fair, Napa Porchfest, La Condesa Restaurant in Saint Helena, and innumerable public and private shows. In May 2013 they were honored to be selected to play at the BottleRock music festival. The Smart Fellers make it their mission to play jazz that's tailored for dancing, enjoying and just plain having fun!