wessmithjazz

Wes Smith is an in-demand musician who has performed with legendary names like Stevie Wonder, Justin Timberlake, Booker T Jones and Poncho Sanchez.  He has recorded commercially for artists like Pharrell Williams, Robin Thicke, Jennifer Lopez and Zendaya.  His woodwinds can be heard frequently in the Film/TV world.

Smith’s musicianship has taken him around the globe - from the Hollywood Bowl, to palaces in Udaipur, to the beautiful Gold Coast of Australia.  One of his noted career highlights was performing at the White House in Booker T Jone’s band with President Barack Obama and the First Lady Michelle Obama in attendance.  He was also featured in the finale of the Academy Award winning feature film, ‘Whiplash.’

On his new album “We, theFunky” (Volume 1), Smith has assembled an all-star band playing his original compositions which artfully bring together the diverse and multi-faceted chapters of his musical journey.  In “We, theFunky” (Volume 1), Smith features the kind of harmonically rich colors and intriguing melodies one associates with Jazz, while utilizing the grooves and rhythms of American Soul and R&B, styles which he has deep connection to.

Awards

DownBeat Magazine's 47th Annual Student Music Award, Co-director

DownBeat Magazine's 46th Annual Student Music Award, Co-director

DownBeat Magazine's 45th Annual Student Music Award, Co-director

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