Sweet Smoke Members, Gear & Sound
psychedelic jazz-rock band, moved from NY to Germany
Members
Select a Sweet Smoke band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Sweet Smoke was an American band formed in the late 1960s, renowned for their fusion of jazz, progressive rock, psychedelic rock, and acid rock. Originating from Brooklyn, New York, they later relocated to Germany, where they became part of the burgeoning krautrock scene. The group consisted of Michael Paris (saxophone, vocals, keyboards), Andrew Dershin (bass), Marvin Kaminowitz (guitar, vocals), Jay Dorfman (drums), and Steve Rosenstein (guitar, vocals). Sweet Smoke is celebrated for their improvisational style and long, exploratory tracks that blend intricate musical structures with freeform jazz influences.
How to Sound Like Sweet Smoke
Sweet Smoke's sound is characterized by complex, flowing arrangements and a distinctly atmospheric quality. Their music often features lengthy improvisational passages, with each instrument contributing to a richly textured sonic tapestry. The guitar work is both melodic and rhythmic, using techniques like fingerpicking and slide guitar to create a diverse array of tones. Saxophone lines weave through the compositions, adding a jazzy flair that complements the rock foundation. To emulate their sound, musicians might focus on using tube amps for warm, organic tones and incorporate a range of modulation effects and reverb pedals to enhance the psychedelic aspects of their music. The drumming style is dynamic and intricate, supporting the band's exploratory nature without overshadowing it, while the bass lines provide a fluid yet grounding presence throughout their tracks.