Hamish Smith

Award-winning New Zealand Jazz artist, Hamish Smith, flows with rhythmic inventiveness and a unique groove-centric approach. He has been described by NEA (National Endowment Award ) Jazz Master, Todd Barkan, as “a modern marvel - one of the great young bassists in the world.” Now resident in New York, Hamish has quickly become a highly sought-after musician, whose career highlights include tours and/or recordings with an astonishing list of artists including Paquito D’Rivera, Miguel Zenon, Yosvany Terry, Dayna Stephens, Diego Urcola, Manuel Valera, Benito González, Elio Villafranca, Rotem Sivan and The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. Hamish also leads and composes for his own quintet, featuring some of the most innovative voices in jazz today. He is also a founding member of the collaborative group, Immigrantet, along with saxophonist Nicola Caminiti and vibraphonist Juan Diego Villalobos.

After having been an influential member of the New Zealand music scene, Hamish received a Full Tuition Scholarship to attend the prestigious Manhattan School of Music, which led to his move to New York City in 2018. After his freshman year of college, he was recruited to play in the quintet of NEA Jazz Master and fifteen time GRAMMY Award-winning artist, Paquito D’Rivera. Having graduated from Manhattan School of Music, Hamish continues to serve as the bassist with many groups, including the Paquito D’Rivera Quintet, Manuel Valera’s New Cuban Express, the Rotem Sivan Trio and Dayna Stephens Custom Deluxe, performing throughout the United States and internationally. He thrives in providing a sonic foundation with his formidable sound echoing the vibrations of New Zealand’s roots.

Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, Hamish grew up with a strong passion and dedication for music, learning several instruments before falling in love with the bass at age eleven. He became proficient in various genres, which has led to him being a highly versatile musician now. During his formative years, he won several awards at competitions and festivals in New Zealand. Such accolades include winning the New Zealand Improvisation Contest for three consecutive years, a competition adjudicated by globally renowned artists such as Grammy Award-nominated Eric Marienthal and Dick Oatts. Hamish also received consecutive awards for the ‘Most Outstanding Bassist’ and ‘Best Overall Musician’ at The National Youth Jazz Competition, New Zealand School of Music Jazz Project and CPIT Jazz Quest, while still in high school.

Hamish is honored to have worked with Emma Award-Winning conductor, Miguel Harth Bedoya, in concert with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra in collaboration with the Paquito D’Rivera Quintet. From 2017-2018, he toured Europe as a member of the Jeunesses Musicales International World Jazz Orchestra led by Grammy-nominated trombonist, Luis Bonilla. Hamish has also been mentored by some of the world’s greatest jazz musicians, including Jay Anderson, Buster Williams, Ben Street, Matt Brewer, Donny McCaslin, and Mike Moreno.

Hamish currently teaches privately in New York City, as well as online lessons for students internationally. He has been a guest clinician at the college level in United States, New Zealand and Mexico. He also served as an educator during the the New York Jazz All Stars Tour of Mexico City and Guadalajara. Hamish is an endorsed artist with Aguilar Amplification and Headway Music Audio.