Sean Smith

Sean Smith Bassist and Composer Artist Biography

Bassist Sean Smith has been an integral part of the international jazz scene for more than 20 years. He has appeared in many of the major jazz festivals, concert halls, and clubs all over the world.

Sean has performed with Gerry Mulligan, Phil Woods, Benny Carter, Flip Phillips, Clark Terry, Johnny Griffin, Lee Konitz, Art Farmer, Tom Harrell, Jacky Terrasson, Bill Charlap, Peggy Lee, Rosemary Clooney, Mark Murphy, Jimmy Scott, Andy Bey, and many others.

Sean is also a prolific composer whose works have been played and recorded by such artists as Phil Woods, Mark Murphy, Bill Charlap, Gene Bertoncini, Leon Parker, and Bill Mays. His music has also been featured in several films.

Sean’s compositions are best described as lyrical, melodic, cinematic, and songful. Ira Gitler has written “His originals are highly listenable and thought provoking music for both head and heart”. Smith’s Song For The Geese is the title track of Mark Murphy’s 1998 Grammy nominated album for RCA/BMG.

Sean was a member of the Jacky Terrasson Trio for four years. His work with Terrasson and Emmanuel Pahud on Into The Blue (EMI/Blue Note) was nominated for a 2003 Grammy Award. In 2007 Sean received a Bistro Award for Outstanding Instrumentalist.

Sean Smith is a leader in his own right. His dynamic working quartet includes John Ellis on the saxophones, John Hart at the guitar, Russell Meissner at the drums, and Smith at the bass. Their recordings include Sean Smith Quartet Live! (Chiaroscuro Records), and Poise (Ambient Records), both featuring his compositions. The Sean Smith Quartet performs regularly in New York City. Their new recording, Trust, was released in the spring of 2011 on Smithereen Records™ and has received rave reviews. Sean Smith earned his Bachelor of Music from the Manhattan School of Music and lives in New York City.

Humanity by Dr. Judith Schlesinger
Humanity by Jack Bowers
Trust by Dan Bilawsky
Poise by Glenn Astarita
Sean Smith Quartet Live by C. Michael Bailey

“Poise is such an apt word in describing Sean Smith. …[He] has an unlimited future as straight as the crow flies.” Harvey Siders” JazzTimes

“Smith’s been steadily building both a strong book of original pieces and a firm rapport…” John Donohue” New Yorker Magazine

“The arrangements are cool, the ballads moody and gorgeous. Both sophisticated and emotional, intricate and uncluttered, it reveals richer artistry with each spin. Highly recommended.” 4&1/2 stars Judith Schlesinger” AllMusicGuide.com

“Sean understands! He also happens to be one of our most promising young composers.” Phil Woods

“No doubt, this band surges forward with a noticeable degree of self-assurance and refinement

“Poise is such an apt word in describing Sean Smith. …[He] has an unlimited future as straight as the crow flies.” Harvey Siders” JazzTimes

“Smith’s been steadily building both a strong book of original pieces and a firm rapport…” John Donohue” New Yorker Magazine

“Sean understands! He also happens to be one of our most promising young composers.” Phil Woods

“No doubt, this band surges forward with a noticeable degree of self-assurance and refinement. …The title of this production provides credence to the musicians’ articulate interplay and tightly integrated approach. Recommended.” Glenn Astarita” AllAboutJazz.com

“…Smith not only reiterates his talent as a bassist but establishes himself as a composer who shows you don’t have to be quirky and abrasive in order to be freshly modern. His originals are highly listenable and thought provoking music for both head and heart.” Ira Gitler

“The first eight of the nine selections are Smith’s and, writing as one who ordinarily prefers the standard repertoire, I can vouch for their capacity to ensnare and hold one’s attention. Mine never wavered…” Jack Bowers” Cadence Magazine

“It is music by a working band at ease with one another…Smith pieces that sustain interest, something that cannot be said about the masses of originals that clog so many jazz CDs.” Doug Ramsey” JazzTimes

“Quiet, poetic, and lyrical, Sean Smith reminds us that the best jazz comes from the heart, not merely from the mind or the fingers. …He takes us on compelling journeys, full of sounds that fall gracefully on the ear.” James Gavin” Grammy nominated author and journalist

“…Smith’s debut disc as a leader exhibits his growing skills as a composer and bandleader. He writes engaging themes, interacts with compatible sidemen…” David Orthmann” Jazziz

“…Smith and his sidemen take post-bop formations and make them anew with well-crafted improvisations.” Jules Epstein” Philadelphia Tribune

“…These are more than just exquisitely talented musicians.” 4 stars J. Robert Bragonier” 52ndStreet.com

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Primary Instrument

Bass

Willing to teach

Advanced only

Credentials/Background

Primary Instrument

Bass

Willing to teach

Advanced only

Credentials/Background

Sean Smith Bassist and Composer Artist Biography Bassist and composer Sean Smith has been part of the international jazz scene for more than 20 years. He has appeared in many of the major jazz rooms and concert halls all over the world. He has toured extensively in North and South America, throughout Europe and the Mediterranean, and as far away as Russia, Turkey, Morocco, and Japan. In addition to leading his own quartet, Sean has been a member of the Jacky Terrasson Trio since 2000. His work with Jacky Terrasson and Emmanuel Pahud on the EMI/Blue Note recording Into The Blue was recently nominated for a 2003 Grammy Award. Sean has performed with many jazz superstars including Gerry Mulligan, Phil Woods, Benny Carter, Flip Phillips, Clark Terry, Johnny Griffin, Lee Konitz, Art Farmer, and Tom Harrell. He has also been the accompanist of choice for such world-renowned vocalists as Peggy Lee, Rosemary Clooney, Mark Murphy, Jimmy Scott, and Andy Bey. Sean has also performed and recorded with up-and-coming vocalist Kate McGarry. A Manhattan School of Music graduate, Sean is also a prolific composer whose works have been played and recorded by such artists as Phil Woods, Mark Murphy, Bill Charlap, Gene Bertoncini, Bill Mays, and Leon Parker. His Song For The Geese was recorded by Mark Murphy as the title track of Murphy’s RCA/BMG release, which was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1998. Sean received a Bistro Award for outstanding instrumentalist in 2007. Sean’s first recording, Sean Smith Quartet Live! (on Chiaroscuro), featured some of his compositions and was received with outstanding reviews. Sean’s most recent recording, Poise (on Ambient), features new compositions performed by his working quartet. Sean’s quartet consists of John Ellis (saxophones), Keith Ganz (guitar), Russell Meissner (drums), and Sean on Bass. Sean Smith is based in New York.

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