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Wadada Leo Smith

ISHMAEL WADADA LEO SMITH trumpet-player, multi- instrumentalist, composer and improviser has been active in the creative contemporary world music for over thirty years. His theory of Jazz and World music was significant in his music development as an artist and educator.

Born in Leland, Mississippi, Smith's early musical life began in the high school concert and marching bands. At the age of thirteen, he became immersed within the Delta Blues and Improvisation music traditions. He received his formal musical education with his father, the U.S. Military band program (1963), Sherwood School of Music (1967-69), and Wesleyan University (1975-76).

As an Improvisor-Composer, Smith has studied a variety of music cultures (African, Japanese, Indonesian, European and American) and has developed a Jazz and world music theory, and a notation system to fully express this music which he calls "Ankhrasmation".

He has taught at the University of New Haven 1975-'76, the Creative Music Studio in Woodstock, NY. 1975-'78, and Bard College 1987-'93. He is currently a professor of Music at the California Institute of the Arts, and is the director of the MFA program in African American Improvisation. He is a member of ASCAP Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians.

Mr. Smith's awards includes: Islamic World Arts Initiative of Arts International 2004, Meet the Composer/ Lila Wallace-Reader's Digest Commissioning Program 1996, Asian Cultural Council Grantee to Japan June-Augast 1993; Meet the Composer/ Lila Wallace-Reader's Digest Commissioning Program 1990; New York Foundation on the Arts Fellowship in Music 1990; Numerous Meet the Composer Grants since1977; and National Eneowment for the Arts Music Grants 1972, 1974, 1981.

Mr. Smith's music philosophy Notes (8 Pieces) Source a New. World Music: Creative Music has been published by Kiom Press 1973, translated and published in Japan by Zen-On Music Company Ltd. 1976.

In 1981 Notes was translated into Italian and published by Nistri-Litschi Editori. He was invited to a conference of artists, scientists and philosophers "Third Culture Copenhagen" in Denmark 1996, and presented a paper on his Ankhrasmation music theory and notational system for creative musicians. His interview was recorded for Denmark T.V., broadcasted September 1996.

He has composed music for solo, ensemble, classical and creative orchestra and stage works. His solo piano music has been performed by Ms. Ursula Opens, Ms. Marilyn Crispell, Mr. David Rosenboom and Ms. Vickie Ray.

Mr. Smith's Nda-Kulture ensemble has performed most of his music since 1970. His compositions has been performed by other contemporary music ensembles: AACM -Orchestra, Kronos Quartet, Da Capo Chamber Player, New Century Players, San Francisco Contemporary Music Players, Contemporary Chamber Players (University of Chicago), S.E.M. Ensemble and California E.A.R. Unit.

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Radio & Podcasts

A Compilation Of New Releases From 2023 Including Cory Wong, Jizue And Matteo Mancusco

Read "A Compilation Of New Releases From 2023 Including Cory Wong, Jizue And Matteo Mancusco" reviewed by Len Davis


Continuing our wrap of 2023 new releases including Wadada Leo Smith, Jizue, Cory Wong, Funky Knuckles and Marriage Material.Playlist Echoes of Zoo “Lizard Dance" from Speech of Species (W.E.R.E) 00:00 Wadada Leo Smith “Muhammad Ali and George Forman Rumble in Zaire" from Fire Illuminations (Kabel) 05:52 Cory Wong “Stomping Grounds" from The Power Station Tour (Roundwound) 11:46 Loam “Choose Your Fighter" from Featherbrained (Self Produced) 17:50 Jizue “Quindago" from Biotop (Victor)23:50 The Funky Knuckles “Back Meetings" from The ...

16
Album Review

Sylvie Courvoisier: Chimaera

Read "Chimaera" reviewed by Troy Dostert


It says something about pianist Sylvie Courvoisier's current profile in creative jazz that she could assemble such a distinguished ensemble for her latest release, Chimaera. Augmenting her usual trio of bassist Drew Gress and drummer Kenny Wollesen are trumpeters Wadada Leo Smith and Nate Wooley, and with the always interesting Christian Fennesz completing the group on guitar and electronics, one would expect extraordinary results. And so they are--worthy of a lengthy, two-CD treatment, in fact. Courvoisier's work with ...

Album Review

Satoko Fujii: Hyaku: One Hundred Dreams

Read "Hyaku: One Hundred Dreams" reviewed by Alberto Bazzurro


Inciso al DiMenna Center di New York nel settembre 2022, questo album è forse il migliore, il più importante e ambizioso, realizzato dalla pianista giapponese in tempi recenti (e sappiamo quanto corposa sia la sua produzione da un po' di anni in qua). Basta, da subito, scorrere i nomi coinvolti nel progetto (in special modo il “grande vecchio" Wadada Leo Smith) per rendersene conto. La musica, poi, ci toglie da ogni dubbio o imbarazzo: siamo di fronte a un lavoro ...

4
Album Review

Euphorium_freakestra: Free Acoustic Supergroup

Read "Free Acoustic Supergroup" reviewed by Mark Corroto


Thanks to pianist and director Oliver Schwerdt, the Euphorium_freakestra is and always has been a glorious experiment in organized disorganization. The double CD Free Acoustic Supergroup is the ensemble's seventh release. Schwerdt's experiments began with the single disc Ðal Ngai (Euphorium Records, 2004) and eventually the group's 3-CD Grande Casino (Euphorium Records, 2018). Ðal Ngai included the guest artists Friedrich Schenker and Günter Baby Sommer. Other releases found the ensemble hosting musicians such as Thomas Lehn, Barry Guy, and Bertrand ...

3
Radio & Podcasts

Wadada Leo Smith, Greg Spero and Berklee Indian ensemble

Read "Wadada Leo Smith, Greg Spero and Berklee Indian ensemble" reviewed by Len Davis


Wadada Leo Smith with his latest Fire Illuminations, the latest from guitarist Cory Wong, and pianist Greg Spero. UK band Loam from Featherbrained, Japanese band Jizue, and Drift Lab featuring guitarist Matteo Mancusco. The Berklee Indian Ensemble from Shuruaat. Plus MAMOGI with Mohini Dey and Austrian band EKKO 3 featuring guitarist Gerald Gradwohl.Playlist Echoes Of Zoo “Lizard Dance" from Speech Of Species (W.E.R.F Records) 00:00 Wadada Leo Smith “Muhammad Ali and George Forman Rumble in Zaire Africa" from ...

1
Radio & Podcasts

Tony Williams, Miles Electric Band & Wadada Leo Smith

Read "Tony Williams, Miles Electric Band & Wadada Leo Smith" reviewed by Joe Dimino


We begin the 801st Episode of Neon Jazz with the legendary trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith joined by his Orange Wave Electric honor the late, great Tony Williams. We follow that opener with a song from the early '70s Life Time. We also get some hip, new jazz infused music from Girls in Airports, Emily Braden and Miles Electric Band. We also hear some classic old school jazz from Clyde McCoy, Gary Peacock and Billie Holiday. Finally, we say goodbye to ...

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Radio & Podcasts

Wadada Leo Smith, Aruan Ortiz & Neill Duncan

Read "Wadada Leo Smith, Aruan Ortiz & Neill Duncan" reviewed by Maurice Hogue


I know that the official International Jazz Day is April 30th, but around the One Man's Jazz HQ, pretty much every show features international artists. This episode is no exception with music from artists representing 14 different countries over the 23 tracks. Heading the list is the unstoppable Wadada Leo Smith with a new band called Orange Wave Electric. The last word in the name is the clue as to the direction Smith takes on Fire Illuminations. Pianist Aruan Ortiz ...

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3

Performance / Tour

Legendary Trumpeter/Composer Wadada Leo Smith To Premiere His Monumental New Work, America Transformed, At Brooklyn College From Sept. 8–11

Legendary Trumpeter/Composer Wadada Leo Smith To Premiere His Monumental New Work, America Transformed, At Brooklyn College From Sept. 8–11

Source: Braithwaite & Katz Communications

At 81 years of age, Wadada Leo Smith is deep in the midst of the most creative and prolific period of an already formidable career. On the heels of a yearlong 80th birthday celebration that featured a number of dazzling performances along with several large-scale releases, the visionary composer and trumpeter will premiere his most monumental work to date. From September 8 to 11 at Brooklyn College’s Leonard & Claire Tow Center for the Performing Arts, Smith will present the ...

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Wadada Leo Smith

Jazz Musician of the Day: Wadada Leo Smith

Source: Michael Ricci

All About Jazz is celebrating Wadada Leo Smith's birthday today!

ISHMAEL WADADA LEO SMITH trumpet-player, multi- instrumentalist, composer and improviser has been active in the creative contemporary world music for over thirty years. His theory of Jazz and World music was significant in his music development as an artist and educator. Born in Leland, Mississippi, Smith's early musical life began in the high school concert and marching bands. At the age of thirteen, he became immersed within the Delta Blues ...

1

Performance / Tour

Los Angeles Philharmonic Presents World Premiere Of New Work By Iconic Composer And Trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith on March 8

Los Angeles Philharmonic Presents World Premiere Of New Work By Iconic Composer And Trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith on March 8

Source: Braithwaite & Katz Communications

A new work by groundbreaking composer and trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith, commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic will be premiered on Tuesday, March 8, 2022. The new work, part of Smith’s Earth series, is titled “Gondwana: Earth, a Blue Sanctuary, Oceans, Seas, Lakes, Rivers, Springs and Lagoons; Paradise Gardens and Skies.” Members of the LA Phil New Music Group as well as cellist and co-curator Jay Campbell will be featured on the performance, which will be conducted by Vimbayi Kaziboni. ...

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Wadada Leo Smith

Jazz Musician of the Day: Wadada Leo Smith

Source: Michael Ricci

All About Jazz is celebrating Wadada Leo Smith's birthday today!

ISHMAEL WADADA LEO SMITH trumpet-player, multi- instrumentalist, composer and improviser has been active in the creative contemporary world music for over thirty years. His theory of Jazz and World music was significant in his music development as an artist and educator. Born in Leland, Mississippi, Smith's early musical life began in the high school concert and marching bands. At the age of thirteen, he became immersed within the Delta Blues ...

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Wadada Leo Smith

Jazz Musician of the Day: Wadada Leo Smith

Source: Michael Ricci

All About Jazz is celebrating Wadada Leo Smith's birthday today!

ISHMAEL WADADA LEO SMITH trumpet-player, multi- instrumentalist, composer and improviser has been active in the creative contemporary world music for over thirty years. His theory of Jazz and World music was significant in his music development as an artist and educator. Born in Leland, Mississippi, Smith's early musical life began in the high school concert and marching bands. At the age of thirteen, he became immersed within the Delta Blues ...

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Wadada Leo Smith

Jazz Musician of the Day: Wadada Leo Smith

Source: Michael Ricci

All About Jazz is celebrating Wadada Leo Smith's birthday today!

ISHMAEL WADADA LEO SMITH trumpet-player, multi- instrumentalist, composer and improviser has been active in the creative contemporary world music for over thirty years. His theory of Jazz and World music was significant in his music development as an artist and educator. Born in Leland, Mississippi, Smith's early musical life began in the high school concert and marching bands. At the age of thirteen, he became immersed within the Delta Blues ...

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Wadada Leo Smith

Jazz Musician of the Day: Wadada Leo Smith

Source: Michael Ricci

All About Jazz is celebrating Wadada Leo Smith's birthday today!

ISHMAEL WADADA LEO SMITH trumpet-player, multi- instrumentalist, composer and improviser has been active in the creative contemporary world music for over thirty years. His theory of Jazz and World music was significant in his music development as an artist and educator. Born in Leland, Mississippi, Smith\'s early musical life began in the high school concert and marching bands. At the age of thirteen... Read more.

Place our Musician of the ...

3

Festival

Iconic Composer And Trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith Presents 2nd Annual CREATE Festival April 7-8 In New Haven, CT

Iconic Composer And Trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith  Presents 2nd Annual CREATE Festival April 7-8 In New Haven, CT

Source: Braithwaite & Katz Communications

“A trumpeter and composer of penetrating insight.” —Nate Chinen, The New York Times Legendary composer and trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith presents the Second Annual CREATE Festival in New Haven, CT, a two-day celebration and exploration of his inventive and unclassifiable music that will feature world or US premiere performances of four new suites. Taking place Saturday, April 7 and Sunday, April 8, 2018 at Firehouse 12, 45 Crown Street, New Haven, CT, the festival will include performances by five separate ...

Recording

Recent Listening In Brief: Two From Wadada Leo Smith

Recent Listening In Brief: Two From Wadada Leo Smith

Source: Rifftides by Doug Ramsey

The music of trumpeter, composer and resolute individualist Wadada Leo Smith is absorbing. It often has a demanding density even when he is the only player—as he is in one of these albums. It can bring rewards to the listener who accepts Smith’s free jazz heritage and listens to him with open ears and open mind. As in his recent tribute to America’s national parks, his paean to Miles Davis, duets with pianist Vijay Iyer and a succession of other ...

1

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Wadada Leo Smith

Jazz Musician of the Day: Wadada Leo Smith

Source: Michael Ricci

All About Jazz is celebrating Wadada Leo Smith's birthday today!

ISHMAEL WADADA LEO SMITH trumpet-player, multi- instrumentalist, composer and improviser has been active in the creative contemporary world music for over thirty years. His theory of Jazz and World music was significant in his music development as an artist and educator. Born in Leland, Mississippi, Smith\'s early musical life began in the high school concert and marching bands. At the age of thirteen... Read more.

Place our Musician of the ...

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Free Acoustic...

Euphorium Records
2024

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Central Park’s...

Red Hook Records
2024

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Fire Illuminations

Kabell Records
2023

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Free Acoustic...

Self Produced
2023

buy

Chimaera

Intakt Records
2023

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Two Centuries

Red Hook
2022

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One Hundred Dreams Part 1

From: Hyaku: One Hundred Dreams
By Wadada Leo Smith

The Patriot Act

From: The Emerald Duets
By Wadada Leo Smith

String Quartet Nov. 1, Movement 1

From: String Quartets Nos. 1-12
By Wadada Leo Smith

Social Justice – A Fire for Reimagining the World

From: Sacred Ceremonies
By Wadada Leo Smith

Amina Claudine Myers

From: Trumpet
By Wadada Leo Smith

Monk and His Five Point Ring at the Five Spot Cafe

From: Solo: Reflections and...
By Wadada Leo Smith

Najwa

From: Najwa
By Wadada Leo Smith

South Central L.A. Kulture

From: Spiritual Dimensions
By Wadada Leo Smith

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