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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.


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"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.

Album Discography

Videos

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