i know we all have so many funny, thought provoking, and sweet memories of Dan. we could all write pages, i'm sure. even after Dan quit working, we stayed in communication a bit. our last conversation was several months ago over the phone. we spoke for hours. we talked about the economy, politics, health, health Insurance, and at this point, and most importantly, FRIENDS. he missed his people, so i made a silly suggestion that he join facebook to keep in touch with some friends. surprisingly, he said, "maybe i should!...let me think about it." i didn't want to push, so i just told him to contemplate it. i guess the point of this is: Dan thought about, and missed his friends. aren't we so blessed to have known him? his brilliance as a musician, a thinker, and a friend will never be duplicated. i am so grateful for knowing him.

Dan Smith was a warm hearted and thoughtful person. He was a gifted, creative cellist and had an amazing staccato. He was liked and respected by all who knew him. We will all miss him.

I'm so saddened to hear of Dan's passing. He was an honest gentleman and wonderful cellist whose talent I appreciated and utilized on the many sessions we shared. A real loss to the music community and to the ranks of the excellent cellists we enjoy here in L.A.

The first thoughts that flooded my mind when reflecting on our beloved Dan was that he might have been the kindest man I've worked with. Dan was always so grounded as a player, as a person. His calmness was magnetizing, and I always appreciated some of those long days in the trenches of the studios when I could share a stand with him. And then there was that amazing bow technique! Yes, Suzie said it, he was a genius. But never a braggart. He truly loved music, and he loved the cello. When I heard of his passing, I immediately saw he and Larry, kicking back, smoking cigars, and laughing at us. And so it is.

What a loss, both to music and humanity. He was that rare combination of an excellent musician and a truly great guy. In that way he reminds me of Larry Corbett. Both are gone too soon. We will miss you, sir. Thanks for all the great playing over the years.

I always enjoyed talking to Dan. I could see that he was shy and introverted, but for some reason he liked to converse with me about music. He was very conversant about the German composers, and we often spoke about different approaches to performance. He had unusual and thought provoking ideas. I certainly miss him. RIP Dan. Pamela Goldsmith

I was very sad to hear that Dan Smith had died. I had not seen him in a very long time, but I remember him well as a fine cellist and a sensitive person with an extremely enquiring mind. I don't think I ever heard him say a negative thing about any of his colleagues, and I always enjoyed talking with him. He will certainly be missed. Ron Leonard