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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.
Album Reviews
- Latin Expression by Raul d'Gama Rose
- The Piano Giants at Bob Haggart's 80th Birthday Party by AAJ Staff
- High Energy by AAJ Staff
- High Energy by AAJ Staff
”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.
Discography
Watch
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