Scott Smith

Like Dizzy Gillespie's Cheeks Scott Smith

LIKE DIZZY GILLESPIE'S CHEEKS, is a humorous glimpse into the life of an unmotivated, Chicago Jazz Pianist who is stuck playing dingy bars, museum benefits and Nordstrom's half-yearly sales. As a matter of fact, he'll play at just about any establishment that will hire him. Typically, he can count on his longtime mentor, jazz great Ben Webster, to join him for a late night set on the piano. Irritable and not just because he's in his seventies, Ben leaves the club before playing a single note. The next day, Sam is devastated to learn that his best friend is dead. As a result, Sam's perspective on life takes an abrupt change. He notices how pathetically insignificant ones life can truly be. Stumbling through some interesting yet awkward situations, both funny and sad, including being conflicted about whether he should allow himself to fall in love with Kate Buckley, the reporter trying to get a story about his friend Ben for ESQUIRE, or continue his unhealthy relationship with Liz Brightwater of the Brightwater Marble fortune, Sam realizes that life is happening now. It's admirable to respect the past, but he must also learn to trust his future.