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Derek Smith

San Francisco Bay Area Musician Derek Smith has been entertaining audiences for more than 10 years through his innovative music that combines the melodic brightness of the Caribbean steel drum with the driving rhythms of Latin Jazz. Smith's unique sound is inspired by legendary musicians like mambo king Tito Puente, Latin Jazz vibraphone great Cal Tjader, and calypso master Lord Kitchener. The influence of such renown players has led Smith to create an original musical experience that can be described as soulful and joyous.

Gear

Musser M55 vibraphone, tenor steel pans by Leroy Williams and Clifford Alexis.


Tags

264
Album Review

Derek Smith: Latin Expression

Read "Latin Expression" reviewed by Raul d'Gama Rose


The title of Derek Smith's Latin Expression falls somewhat short of the actual experience. It does not even begin to describe the utter joy that arises from the resonant, fluttering, dancing music that swathes the record. Perhaps “Latin Explosion" might have been more appropriate? Steel panist/vibraphonist Smith plunges, body and soul, into a veritable carnival of Afro-Caribbean sounds, acquitting himself with distinction. To many it might have been a challenge to switch back and forth between pans ...

252
Album Review

Derek Smith, Dick Hyman and Ralph Sutton: The Piano Giants at Bob Haggart's 80th Birthday Party

Read "The Piano Giants at Bob Haggart's 80th Birthday Party" reviewed by AAJ Staff


These selections were recorded in 1994 at the very first jazz party produced by Mat and Rachel Domber, owners of Arbors Records. The party was in honor of multi-talented bassist-arranger Bob Haggart's 80th birthday. I was present to hear these selectios presented to the live audience, so this review is a personal delight to share with the readers. First, however, a brief explanation is in order. In contrast to a jazz festival, which usually implies a ...

154
Album Review

Derek Smith: High Energy

Read "High Energy" reviewed by AAJ Staff


A couple of Arbors regulars have once again lent their talents to fulfill the promise of the title of this album. High Energy is exactly what is delivered in this action-packed album of piano, bass and drums. Derek has put together an outstanding performance on the album, and with the smooth blending of his talents with those of Nicki Parrott and Joe Ascione has produced a finger-snapping, toe-tapping delight for anyone willing to take the trip.

101
Album Review

Derek Smith: High Energy

Read "High Energy" reviewed by AAJ Staff


A couple of Arbors regulars have once again lent their talents to fulfill the promise of the title of this album. High Energy is exactly what is delivered in this action-packed album of piano, bass and drums. Derek has put together an outstanding performance on the album, and with the smooth blending of his talents with those of Nicki Parrott and Joe Ascione has produced a finger-snapping, toe-tapping delight for anyone willing to take the trip.

In the ...

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156

Recording

Derek Smith Unites Steel Pan and Vibraphone in an Album That Captures the Musical Expression of Latin Jazz Masters

Derek Smith Unites Steel Pan and Vibraphone in an Album That Captures the Musical Expression of Latin Jazz Masters

Source: Michael Ricci

In his second album, Derek Smith pays tribute to legendary musicians who developed the infectious rhythms and sounds that have come to define Latin jazz. The spirit of this genre is innovation, and Smith exemplifies that spirit in Latin Expression by uniting the melodic brightness of the steel drum with the soulful resonance of the vibraphone. Smith uses the unique instrumentation to capture the musical expression of Latin jazz masters, such as Rafael Hernandez, Mario Bauza, Antonio Carlos Jobim and ...

"Steel panist/vibraphonist Smith plunges, body and soul, into a veritable carnival of Afro-Caribbean sounds, acquitting himself with distinction." - Raul d'Gama Rose
Primary Instrument

Drums, steel

Willing to teach

Beginner to advanced

Credentials/Background

$50/hr. BA in Music, percussion emphasis (including drumset, steel drum, vibraphone) Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced levels.

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