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29th February 2020 Christy Smith & Friends Band at Maduro Singapore. Jazz Straight forward with music from Hank Mobley, Wes Montgomery, Jack Wilson, John Coltrane and others
MADURO, 29th February 2020
“Christy Smith & Friends Band “
Jazz "Straight Forward", playing music from
Hank Mobley, Wes Montgomery, Jack Wilson, John Coltrane and others
Christy Smith & Friends Band:
Nicole Duffell - Tenor Saxophone
Tete Saxman - Alto Saxophone
Andrew Lim - Guitar
Aaron James Lee - Drums
Christy Smith - Double Bass
40C Harding Road, Level 3
Singapore 249548
February 13th, 2020. The Nicole Duffell Trio with guest Pekka Pylkkänen on Saxophones, Christy Smith on Bass, , Nicole Duffell on Saxophones and Andrew Lim on Guitar at the Vagabond Club, Singapore
Pekka Pylkkänen on Saxophones
Nicole Duffel - Saxophones
Andrew Lim - Guitar
Christy Smith - Double Bass
1 Feb 2020, 7:40-8:30pm at the TIJC Main Stage
Jazz Association Singapore Orchestra (JASSO)
Music Director: Jeremy Monteiro
Associate Music Director: Weixiang Tan
Performing at the
Thailand International Jazz Conference (TIJC) 2020
College of Music Mahidol University
Vocalists: Louis Soliano and Alemay Fernandez
Guest musicians:
Paul Panichi (Trumpet)
Watchara Atchariyavaranom (Trumpet),
Jirathitikarn Hemsuwan (Trombone)
Krit Buranavitayawut (Saxophone)
Chartsayam Kiripat (Saxophone)
Hong Chanutr Techatananan (Drums)
Christy Smith (Bass)
January 18th, 2020 The Nicole Duffell Trio, Jazz Dinner at L'Angelus, 85 Club Street, Singapore
Nicole Duffel - Saxophones
Andrew Lim - Guitar
Christy Smith - Double Bass
January 2nd, 2020, The Nicole Duffell Trio, The Vagabond Club, Singapore
Nicole Duffel - Saxophones
Andrew Lim - Guitar
Christy Smith - Double Bass
December 2nd, 2019 Latin Jam at the Singapore Latin American Arts and Cultural Center 9.30pm Special Guest Christy Smith
Sunday October 6th, 2019
7pm - 11pm
Leaders of the Nu
The Aaron Lee Trio at Choice Cuts
451 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore
Andrew Lim - Guitar
Christy Smith - Double Bass
Aaron James Lee - Drums
July 17th 2019 Christy Smith and Friends Band Live Music - Maduro 40C Harding rd. Dempsey Hill
July 17th 2019
Live Music @ Maduro
40C Harding rd. Dempsey Hill
Christy Smith and Friends Band
9:30pm till late.
Come check it out and enjoy!
As artist in residence for August,
I will have a different configuration every Saturday night this month
Support live music you like and love around the world and right here in Singapore.
Zora Smith - Vocals
Mei Sheum - Piano
Sean Hong Wei - Saxophones
Christy Smith - Double Bass
Aaron James Lee - Drums
February 15 ad 16th, 2019 Jeremy Monteiro - Piano Jakob Dinesen Saxophone Christy Smith - Basses
Jeremy Monteiro - Piano
Jakob Dinesen Saxophone
Christy Smith - Basses
Hong Chanutr Techatana Nan - Drums
January 17th, 2019, Light House Cafe, Hermosa Beach: Christy Smith, Sarah Daye, Marvin Smitty Smith and Wayne Vaughn
Sarah Daye : These guys riiiiight here!!!! All have been a true inspiration along my musical journey! Blessed and grateful to have their friendship and support sharing in the music! The fabulous Christy Smith ,Moi, Marvin Smitty Smith & the one and only Wayne Vaughn.
Singapore, October 19th, 2018 Last Jam Session at Blu Jaz café.
Nicole Duffell:
Massive love & thanks to everyone who packed the joint out tonight - being surrounded by awesome musicians & a fantastic audience makes it a dream gig. Sending thanks & hugs to BluJaz staff, management & owners for their unerring support & patience 💕 It was so SO hard to end the show - may BluJaz & the music live on! — with Christy Smith, Ting Wei Yap, Ben Poh and 14 others at Blu Jaz Café. Singapore, October 18th, 2018
Singapore, October 18th, 2018 Jeremy Monteiro featuring Danish Saxophonist Jakob Dinesen with Christy Smith and Aaron James Lee. At the Relish at Cluny Court, Singapore
Singapore, October 18th, 2018
Jeremy Monteiro
featuring
Danish Saxophonist Jakob Dinesen
with Christy Smith and Aaron James Lee.
At the Relish at Cluny Court, Singapore
Singapore, September 21th, 2018 Christy Smith, Member of the Singapore International Jazz Battle Forum
Singapore, September 21th, 2018
Christy Smith, Member of the Singapore International Jazz Battle Forum
Singapore, September 10th & 11th, 2018 Leo Gandelman at Cool Cats
Leo Gandelman - Saxophone
Eduardo Farias - Piano
Christy Smith - Double Bass
Eddie Layman - Drums
Singapore, March 19th 2018, Alone Together, Blu Jaz Cafe with Nicole Duffel on Saxophone and Christy Smith on Basses
Nicole Duffel - Saxophone
Christy Smith - Double Bass
March 17th, 2018, Victoria Bar, Intercontinental Singapore. James Flynn with James Flynn on Vocals, Tan Wei Xiang on Piano, Christy Smith on Basses and Darryl Ervin on Drums.
March 6th, 2018. Daniela Ruggieri: It has been an honor to bring my music yesterday at the dinner speech by former German Chancellor Dr Gerhard Schröder. New political and economic perspective in a world of change, held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. With Sabrina Candeloro, Mario Serio, Christy Smith and Massimo Alioto
February 3rd and 10th 2018, Live Music at Churchill Room, Dylan Foster Quintet with Dylan Foster vocals , Nicole Duffell Saxophone, Wei Xiang Piano, Christy Smith Bassess and Eddie Layman on Drums.
February 9th, 2018. Back at the Victoria Bar Intercontinental this Friday for a very special show! The multi-talented Marques Young aka Q Sound on trombone is in town for his first solo show in Singapore. With Alemy Fernandez on Vocals, Christy Smith on bass and Erik Hargrove on drums.
February 9th, 2018
Victoria Bar
Intercontinental Singapore
Marques Young and Friends
With
Marques Young - Trombone
Alemay Fernandez - Vocals
Christy Smith - Basses
Erik Hargrove - Drums
Friday 12th, 2017. The Victoria Bar Intercontinental Singapore. The Aaron James Lee with Andrew Lim on guitar, Christy Smith on bass and special guest vocalist Eugenia Yip.
December 23rd 2017, Jazzy Xmas 2017 with Jeremy Monteiro, Joanna Dong, Steven Lippia, Melissa Tham, Miz Dee Logwood, Alberto Marsico, Tony Lakatos, Shawn Letts, Eddie Wen, Marques Young, CC Lee, Christy Smith, John Koh, Shawn Kelley and Aaron James Lee.
Doing the Jazzy Christmas concert on a regular basis and getting to play music with such great musicians and helping to make so many people feel happy is a great blessing to me.
Thank you for coming to play Joanna Dong, Steven Lippia, Melissa Tham, Miz Dee Logwood, Tony Lakatos, Shawn Letts, Christy Smith, Shawn Kelley, Eddie Wen, Marques Young, CC Lee, John Koh and Aaron James Lee.
And of course the audio engineering prowess of Sunil Kumar and wonderful lighting by Fares Aljunied.
A special shout out to Melissa Tham for doing a great job as Production and Artist Manager and to my son Varian Monteiro for coming in to work as a producer for the concert.
Thank you to the Esplanade team for always putting so much effort on to make it a great show.
A big thank you for EFG Bank for all the great support the last 10 years!
Also a big thank you to my friend Choo Chiau Beng and also to Mr. Poh Choon Ann for supporting the concert. It was their support that allowed me to have a nice horn section for the Swing, Swing, Swing, section of the show!
Thank you for coming to play Joanna Dong, Steven Lippia, Melissa Tham, Miz Dee Logwood, Tony Lakatos, Shawn Letts, Christy Smith, Shawn Kelley, Eddie Wen, Marques Young, CC Lee, John Koh and Aaron James Lee.
And of course the audio engineering prowess of Sunil Kumar and wonderful lighting by Fares Aljunied.
A special shout out to Melissa Tham for doing a great job as Production and Artist Manager and to my son Varian Monteiro for coming in to work as a producer for the concert.
Thank you to the Esplanade team for always putting so much effort on to make it a great show.
A big thank you for EFG Bank for all the great support the last 10 years!
Also a big thank you to my friend Choo Chiau Beng and also to Mr. Poh Choon Ann for supporting the concert. It was their support that allowed me to have a nice horn section for the Swing, Swing, Swing, section of the show!
Nov 25th 2017: Birthday Weekend with family and friends. Performing with the most amazing , incredible Carmen Bradford, Jeremy Monteiro,Tamagoh YS, Andrew Lim guesting. Beautiful audience at Relish Cluny Court.
Birthday Weekend with family and friends.
Performing with the most amazing , incredible Carmen Bradford, Jeremy Monteiro, Tamagoh YS, Andrew Lim guesting.
Beautiful audience at Relish Cluny Court. This caps my birthday weekend as I will continue to celebrate. Very thankful for a wonderful night and to have Carmen to warm my soul (and the souls of many ).
Sept 2017: Ernie Watts and Jeremy Monteiro with Ernie Watts on Saxophones, Jeremy Monteiro on Piano, Shawn Kelley on Drums and Christy Smith on Basses. Touring China touching down in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Xian
Ernie Watts & Jeremy Monteiro
Ernie Watts on Saxophones
Jeremy Monteiro on Piano
Shawn Kelley on Drums
Christy Smith on Basses
KL Jazz: 2017: The Eric Wyatt Quartet With Eric Wyatt on Saxophones Benito Gonzales on Piano David Hodek on Drums Christy Smith on Bass with a Tribute to the Music of Sonny Rollins
The Eric Wyatt Quartet
With Eric Wyatt on Saxophones
Benito Gonzales on Piano
David Hodek on Drums
Christy Smith on Bass
"Tribute to the Music of Sonny Rollins"
April 1st, 2017 Singapore International Jazz Festival. Two renowned bassists unite ! Christy Smith and Esperanza Spalding.
100217: The Dylan Foster Quartet with Dylan Foster Vocals, Aynsley Green on Piano, Christy Smith on Basses and Eddie Layman on Drums. Blu Jaz Cafe, Jazz Bar, Singapore.
2010117, B28, Ian Rapien Saxophones, Tan Wei Xiang Piano, Christy Smith Double Bass, Soh Wen Ming Drums. Jazz Series B28 Singapore
Jeremy Monteiros Montage with Jeremy Monteiro on Piano / Vocals Shawn Lets on Saxophone Rit Xu on Flutes Christy Smith on Double Bass Hong Chanutr Techatana-Nan on Drums
300916: Jazzy Business 40th Anniversary with Jeremy Monteiro
September 30th, 2016
Jeremy Monteiro's and The Business Times 40th anniversary:
A nice pre-show photo with many of the performers of the Jazzy Business concert
with the President of Singapore, Dr. Tony Tan.
Photo by Russel Wong
281016: The Dylan Foster Quartet with Dylan Foster Vocals, Mario Serio on Piano, Christy Smith on Bass and Eddie Layman on Drums
The Christy Smith Trio, September 23rd, 2016 Club L'Opera Live
23rd July 2016, Live Music The World Stage Art, Education and Performance Gallery
Evening of Jazz with Bobby West Trio featuring Fritz Wise (drums) and Christy Smith (double bass).
The World Stage Art, Education & Performance Gallery
4321 Degnan Blvd. L.A. Ca.90008
On July 23rd 2016, I was able to reunite with Friends and pay tribute to two great giants of men, Dr Louis Thomas and Troy Robinson (original AACM! )
The World Stage Art, Education & Performance Gallery
4321 Degnan Blvd. L.A. Ca.90008
Dee Dee McNeil
performing on July 3rd, 2016
at the ST ANDREWS RECREATION CENTER LA
with:
Rickey Woodard on sax
Sam Hirsh on piano
Christy Smith on bass
Kenny Elliott on drums
Yvette Atienza, Christy Smith, Mario Serio and Eddie Layman, Blu Jaz Cafe, Mat 6th, 2016
James Flynn and The Andrew Lim Quartet with Andrew Lim, Tan Wei Xiang, Darryl Ervin and Christy Smith
The Christy Smith Trio & Alemay Fernandez with Christy Smith, Tan Wei Xiang and Darryl Ervin
Saturday, April 23th, 2016
SingJazz Club
The Christy Smith Trio featuring Alemay Fernandez
with
Alemay Fernandez on Vocals, Tan Wei Xiang on Piano
Darryl Ervin on Drums and Christy Smith on Basses
Alemay Fernandez: Fun gig last night - it's been a while since I've gotten to swing with the great Wei Xiang, Christy & Darryl ! Thanks boys - always a pleasure. And thank you to Ian Ingram for jamming, Dira Sugandi, Aaron, Eugenia, Joshua, Chemu & Will for coming by after your gigs !
The Dylan Foster Quartet with Christy Smith, April 15th, 2016, SingJazz Club, Singapore
with
Dylan Foster - Vocals
Mario Serio - Piano
Oswald Gonzalez - Drums
Christy Smith - Basses
April 8th, 2016
B28 at The Club Hotel, 28 Ann Siang Road, Singapore
with
Nicole Duffel on Saxophones
Wei Xiang on Piano
Aaron Lee on Drums
Christy Smith on Basses.
Click on poster for more information !
SingJazz Club Singapore
SINGJAZZ GOOD FRIDAY
with The Christy Smith Trio
featuring:
Christy Smith on Basses
Kerong Chok on Piano
Wen Ming Soh on Drums
With special guest
Andrew Lim on Guitar
March 25th, 2016
Christy Smith: Last night @ Singjazz Club was musically magnificent. 'Keeper's of the Flame Series Volume 1' ! I want to thank the packed house audience for your presence for two sets, as well as who stayed for the last short set. Kerong Chok = Truly Amazing! Andrew Lim = Incredible, Wen Ming Soh = Sensational !
Together we were on point fanning that flame bright of All Music with urgency and Fun ! Variety of material was limitless as we covered oRIginAl Milestones to Sack full of Dreams D.Hathaway (version) Kenny Kirkland's Steepian Faith, Two Bass hit. I won't quote the whole songlist, but we was Smokin n I ain't Jok-in. Want to thank Wen Ming Soh parents for coming down also, for they're encouragement me on my singing. I am Thankful for last nights performance cause the solo's were like journey's within its own musical self, (thats all em colors)! Woooo. Just a great time ! Thank you Shawn Letts for your brilliant playing when you joined in with the music. Also, thanking the younger flame keeper: the wonderful Aaron Lee for sitting in an adding more musical flame to the fire. Last nights Collective energy warmed my being, Thank all involved very much. Peace, Love Music to All = who know what is good ! oouuuttt!
Together we were on point fanning that flame bright of All Music with urgency and Fun ! Variety of material was limitless as we covered oRIginAl Milestones to Sack full of Dreams D.Hathaway (version) Kenny Kirkland's Steepian Faith, Two Bass hit. I won't quote the whole songlist, but we was Smokin n I ain't Jok-in. Want to thank Wen Ming Soh parents for coming down also, for they're encouragement me on my singing. I am Thankful for last nights performance cause the solo's were like journey's within its own musical self, (thats all em colors)! Woooo. Just a great time ! Thank you Shawn Letts for your brilliant playing when you joined in with the music. Also, thanking the younger flame keeper: the wonderful Aaron Lee for sitting in an adding more musical flame to the fire. Last nights Collective energy warmed my being, Thank all involved very much. Peace, Love Music to All = who know what is good ! oouuuttt!
The Nita Aartsen Trio
March 8th, 2016
Blu Jaz Café
With:
Nita Aartsen - Vocals and Piano
Christy Smith - Basses
Pablo Calzado - Drums
Jean Sebastian - Trumpet
About Nita Aartsen:
Nita Aartsen, who has been described as the ‘rising star’ of Classical and Jazz in Indonesia, is an Indonesian pianist and musician.
She was born in Jakarta, Indonesia and started learning the piano at the tender age of five. After spending three years in the Moscow Conservatory learning Contemporary Jazz, she returned to Indonesia in 1986, to take over as the state pianist of the Republic of Indonesia. In that role, which she held for over fifteen years, she had the privilege of playing for the then US president Bill Clinton as well as Prince Bernard of Holland amongst many other distinguished state guests. Simultaneously, she created a niche for herself in the world of Indonesian music, playing with and also arranging and composing for such established names as Erwin Gutawa, Dwiki Dharmawan, KLA Project, Indra Lesmana, Gilang Ramadhan, God Bless, Titi DJ etc. She also taught at one of Indonesia’s best music schools, Farabi, helping to build and inspire future musicians.
Between 1999 and 2000 she lived and worked in Holland, working with Dutch musicians in the studio and also at live performances. After returning to Jakarta in 2001, she started working towards her goal of taking Classical Music and Jazz to a larger audience. In the last eight years, she has done numerous TV and radio shows, played at events and concerts at home and abroad, held regular gigs at premium music venues in Jakarta and slowly built a strong foundation upon which to launch herself into the world stage. More recently she has played with Michael Paulo and Pauline Wilson from USA for the annual Java Jazz Festival.
All the hard work and dedication finally paid off when she received a three album recording contract with the Indonesian label, Platinum. She released her first album with the Nita Aartsen Quatro, titled ‘all nite out’ in 2009. It is a tour de force of Latin Jazz tracks, all of which are based on Classical or Jazz standards. Nita in her own indomitable style has taken something serious and sombre like Classical and has turned it into feet-tapping, hip-swaying Latino music with a generous helping of Jazz. The result is fun and enjoyable, to say the least. The album received good reviews in the Indonesian media and she has been doing concerts all over Indonesia to promote the album.
The star of Nita Aartsen is on the rise and we can expect more great music from this immensely talented artist in the years to come.
Nita Aartsen, who has been described as the ‘rising star’ of Classical and Jazz in Indonesia, is an Indonesian pianist and musician.
She was born in Jakarta, Indonesia and started learning the piano at the tender age of five. After spending three years in the Moscow Conservatory learning Contemporary Jazz, she returned to Indonesia in 1986, to take over as the state pianist of the Republic of Indonesia. In that role, which she held for over fifteen years, she had the privilege of playing for the then US president Bill Clinton as well as Prince Bernard of Holland amongst many other distinguished state guests. Simultaneously, she created a niche for herself in the world of Indonesian music, playing with and also arranging and composing for such established names as Erwin Gutawa, Dwiki Dharmawan, KLA Project, Indra Lesmana, Gilang Ramadhan, God Bless, Titi DJ etc. She also taught at one of Indonesia’s best music schools, Farabi, helping to build and inspire future musicians.
Between 1999 and 2000 she lived and worked in Holland, working with Dutch musicians in the studio and also at live performances. After returning to Jakarta in 2001, she started working towards her goal of taking Classical Music and Jazz to a larger audience. In the last eight years, she has done numerous TV and radio shows, played at events and concerts at home and abroad, held regular gigs at premium music venues in Jakarta and slowly built a strong foundation upon which to launch herself into the world stage. More recently she has played with Michael Paulo and Pauline Wilson from USA for the annual Java Jazz Festival.
All the hard work and dedication finally paid off when she received a three album recording contract with the Indonesian label, Platinum. She released her first album with the Nita Aartsen Quatro, titled ‘all nite out’ in 2009. It is a tour de force of Latin Jazz tracks, all of which are based on Classical or Jazz standards. Nita in her own indomitable style has taken something serious and sombre like Classical and has turned it into feet-tapping, hip-swaying Latino music with a generous helping of Jazz. The result is fun and enjoyable, to say the least. The album received good reviews in the Indonesian media and she has been doing concerts all over Indonesia to promote the album.
The star of Nita Aartsen is on the rise and we can expect more great music from this immensely talented artist in the years to come.
Bintan, March 4th, 2016
Singapore, March 5th, 2016
Photo by Olivia Sari-Goerlach (OSG Photo)
Magical Jazz Trio
Friday February 5th, 2016
Blu Jaz Café
With:
Dawn Ho - Vocals
Aya Sekine - Piano
Shawn Letts - Tenor Saxophone
Tama Goh - Drums & Percussion
Christy Smith - Double Bass
AYA SEKINE:
Another great Jazz Party last night at Blu Jaz Cafe!
Yes, it's an official monthly series of mine: The Jazz Party.
I guess it replaces my former weekly residency "Ayaschool", as I am putting emphasis on my Jazz love, especially the straight ahead part, which is pretty rare here in Singapore, in case you did not know.
I'd like to thank the wonderful-good & soulful Magical Jazz Trio that is Dawn Ho & Shawn Letts for fronting the ensemble and super guests Christy Smith & Goh Yong Seng Tamagoh for holding it down and pushing forward, also several great cats wandered in and jammed - EJ Hughes, Eugene Yang, Andrew Lim, Wen Ming Soh, Ben Poh, thanks so much for illuminating our night ⭐
Also my Blu Jaz Cafe audio team helmed by Siva Sai Saravanan and audio production interns Hao kun & Danish, thanks so much for running around sorting the sound out for...... *OUR BRAND NEW STAGE*!!! I now realise, we were the first band to grace it, duh! Thanks to my boss Aileen Tan for the generous investment for us musicians. She said, there are just few more things to be improved...will find out
Another great Jazz Party last night at Blu Jaz Cafe!
Yes, it's an official monthly series of mine: The Jazz Party.
I guess it replaces my former weekly residency "Ayaschool", as I am putting emphasis on my Jazz love, especially the straight ahead part, which is pretty rare here in Singapore, in case you did not know.
I'd like to thank the wonderful-good & soulful Magical Jazz Trio that is Dawn Ho & Shawn Letts for fronting the ensemble and super guests Christy Smith & Goh Yong Seng Tamagoh for holding it down and pushing forward, also several great cats wandered in and jammed - EJ Hughes, Eugene Yang, Andrew Lim, Wen Ming Soh, Ben Poh, thanks so much for illuminating our night ⭐
Also my Blu Jaz Cafe audio team helmed by Siva Sai Saravanan and audio production interns Hao kun & Danish, thanks so much for running around sorting the sound out for...... *OUR BRAND NEW STAGE*!!! I now realise, we were the first band to grace it, duh! Thanks to my boss Aileen Tan for the generous investment for us musicians. She said, there are just few more things to be improved...will find out
The Nita Aartsen Trio
Wednesday, January 13th, 2016
Singjazz Club
With:
Nita Aartsen - Vocals and Piano
Christy Smith - Basses
Pablo Calzado - Drums
Ian Ingram - Flugelhorn / Trumpet
About Nita Aartsen:
Nita Aartsen, who has been described as the ‘rising star’ of Classical and Jazz in Indonesia, is an Indonesian pianist and musician.
She was born in Jakarta, Indonesia and started learning the piano at the tender age of five. After spending three years in the Moscow Conservatory learning Contemporary Jazz, she returned to Indonesia in 1986, to take over as the state pianist of the Republic of Indonesia. In that role, which she held for over fifteen years, she had the privilege of playing for the then US president Bill Clinton as well as Prince Bernard of Holland amongst many other distinguished state guests. Simultaneously, she created a niche for herself in the world of Indonesian music, playing with and also arranging and composing for such established names as Erwin Gutawa, Dwiki Dharmawan, KLA Project, Indra Lesmana, Gilang Ramadhan, God Bless, Titi DJ etc. She also taught at one of Indonesia’s best music schools, Farabi, helping to build and inspire future musicians.
Between 1999 and 2000 she lived and worked in Holland, working with Dutch musicians in the studio and also at live performances. After returning to Jakarta in 2001, she started working towards her goal of taking Classical Music and Jazz to a larger audience. In the last eight years, she has done numerous TV and radio shows, played at events and concerts at home and abroad, held regular gigs at premium music venues in Jakarta and slowly built a strong foundation upon which to launch herself into the world stage. More recently she has played with Michael Paulo and Pauline Wilson from USA for the annual Java Jazz Festival.
All the hard work and dedication finally paid off when she received a three album recording contract with the Indonesian label, Platinum. She released her first album with the Nita Aartsen Quatro, titled ‘all nite out’ in 2009. It is a tour de force of Latin Jazz tracks, all of which are based on Classical or Jazz standards. Nita in her own indomitable style has taken something serious and sombre like Classical and has turned it into feet-tapping, hip-swaying Latino music with a generous helping of Jazz. The result is fun and enjoyable, to say the least. The album received good reviews in the Indonesian media and she has been doing concerts all over Indonesia to promote the album.
The star of Nita Aartsen is on the rise and we can expect more great music from this immensely talented artist in the years to come.
Nita Aartsen, who has been described as the ‘rising star’ of Classical and Jazz in Indonesia, is an Indonesian pianist and musician.
She was born in Jakarta, Indonesia and started learning the piano at the tender age of five. After spending three years in the Moscow Conservatory learning Contemporary Jazz, she returned to Indonesia in 1986, to take over as the state pianist of the Republic of Indonesia. In that role, which she held for over fifteen years, she had the privilege of playing for the then US president Bill Clinton as well as Prince Bernard of Holland amongst many other distinguished state guests. Simultaneously, she created a niche for herself in the world of Indonesian music, playing with and also arranging and composing for such established names as Erwin Gutawa, Dwiki Dharmawan, KLA Project, Indra Lesmana, Gilang Ramadhan, God Bless, Titi DJ etc. She also taught at one of Indonesia’s best music schools, Farabi, helping to build and inspire future musicians.
Between 1999 and 2000 she lived and worked in Holland, working with Dutch musicians in the studio and also at live performances. After returning to Jakarta in 2001, she started working towards her goal of taking Classical Music and Jazz to a larger audience. In the last eight years, she has done numerous TV and radio shows, played at events and concerts at home and abroad, held regular gigs at premium music venues in Jakarta and slowly built a strong foundation upon which to launch herself into the world stage. More recently she has played with Michael Paulo and Pauline Wilson from USA for the annual Java Jazz Festival.
All the hard work and dedication finally paid off when she received a three album recording contract with the Indonesian label, Platinum. She released her first album with the Nita Aartsen Quatro, titled ‘all nite out’ in 2009. It is a tour de force of Latin Jazz tracks, all of which are based on Classical or Jazz standards. Nita in her own indomitable style has taken something serious and sombre like Classical and has turned it into feet-tapping, hip-swaying Latino music with a generous helping of Jazz. The result is fun and enjoyable, to say the least. The album received good reviews in the Indonesian media and she has been doing concerts all over Indonesia to promote the album.
The star of Nita Aartsen is on the rise and we can expect more great music from this immensely talented artist in the years to come.
The Christy Smith Quartet
featuring:
Zora Smith - Vocals
and
Jordan Wei - Piano
Shawn Letts - Tenor Saxophone
Eddie Layman - Drums
Christy Smith - Double Bass
Playing hits from five decades
from Beyoncé to Stevie Wonder
January 8th, 2016
Blu Jaz Café
The Christy Smith Quartet :
Veteran Jazz bassist Christy Smith puts together a strongest group to kick it off your soulful New Year 2016. He features at Blu Jaz for the first time, his daughter, a most sought after vocalist Zora Smith, artist Jordan Wei piano and a familiar force Eddie Layman drums . Shawn Letts guesting on tenor plus many special guests to join this celebration. 5 decades of RB hits from Stevie,to Michael Jackson to Beyoncé , with some old jazz favorite standards sprinkled in all in Funk or R&B mode
Veteran Jazz bassist Christy Smith puts together a strongest group to kick it off your soulful New Year 2016. He features at Blu Jaz for the first time, his daughter, a most sought after vocalist Zora Smith, artist Jordan Wei piano and a familiar force Eddie Layman drums . Shawn Letts guesting on tenor plus many special guests to join this celebration. 5 decades of RB hits from Stevie,to Michael Jackson to Beyoncé , with some old jazz favorite standards sprinkled in all in Funk or R&B mode
A glamorous New Years Eve Gala with
Laura Fygi
December 31st, 2015
One Farrer Hotel and Spa
Accompanying Laura Fygi:
Mei Sheum - Piano
Sebastian Ho - Guitars
Shawn Letts - Tenor Saxophone
Tama Goh - Drums & Percussion
Christy Smith - Double Bass
Biography
Everywhere that Laura Fygi visits, she is a veritable vision of exotica. In her home country of the Netherlands, they know her as the woman who was raised in Uruguay as the daughter of an Egyptian belly dancer; in the Far East she is the emancipated Western lady who many others aspire to be. But wherever she may be, there’s one common factor in all of those locations: that instantly recognisable voice which has won her hearts all over the globe.
Laura has performed throughout Europe, South America and Asia. As a Dutch singer, she even managed to conquer the Chinese market, a unique achievement!
There have often been surprises there, such as when she was invited to the TV show for the World Expo, which introduced her to a million-fold audience. “During the press conference, they remarked that the Chinese audience decided which foreign artist was to be invited, and that they had chosen me. It made me go very quiet for a moment.”
Surprises are typical for a performer who has re-invented herself many times. Since her dance hits with the girl group Centerfold in the early 1980s, Laura has travelled down numerous musical pathways, such as jazz, Latin, and chansons, not shying away from any genre or style. “I really dislike pigeon holes”, says the multi-faceted diva. “I’m always on the lookout for something new, because I don’t think you should repeat yourself. I can’t stand to be in a rut.” That wilful quest for renewal has rendered collaborations with such music luminaries as Toots Thielemans, Michel Legrand and Michael Franks.
Laura has also been presented with various gold and platinum discs and awards, as well as playing the lead role in Singapore of her favourite musical Victor/Victoria.
In the meantime Laura celebrated her 20th anniversary as a solo singer. For this occasion one of her biggest musical desires was fulfilled, to record an album with accompaniment of a big band. The release of this CD, number 12 already, was followed by an extensive tour in both the Netherlands and Asia where Laura performed with local big bands.
In 2012 she signed a contract with one of China’s largest record companies and recorded the CD Flower specifically for the Asian market. It contains original Chinese compositions that Laura had arranged in her own style. Some songs were translated into English and French, but she also sings four songs in the original Chinese!
What is the secret of her success? It is the combination of a number of things. First of all she has a husky voice with a beautiful diction and great timing, which has already been compared to that of Peggy Lee, and the intimacy of Julie London . She has an international appearance which enables her to perform in Ronnie Scott ‘s Jazz club in Soho with the same ease as on the biggest stages in most of the world cities. She looks beautiful and is as Latin as Jazzy . But the most important thing Laura is a storyteller, someone who knows how to turn a song into a story that touches you directly from her heart to yours. While it still swings like crazy!
In 2015 Laura celebrates her 25th anniversary as a solo artist. So far she has released 13 albums and has an international career she can be proud of! But quitting is still a long way … On the occasion of this anniversary Universal Music releases a double album with the most popular tracks that have been chosen by the fans on one cd and 12 special bonus tracks on the other. There are again several concerts planned in Asia and for the first time Laura will be going to Australia! The jazz diva still has many plans including a new cd with all new material….
To be continued!
Everywhere that Laura Fygi visits, she is a veritable vision of exotica. In her home country of the Netherlands, they know her as the woman who was raised in Uruguay as the daughter of an Egyptian belly dancer; in the Far East she is the emancipated Western lady who many others aspire to be. But wherever she may be, there’s one common factor in all of those locations: that instantly recognisable voice which has won her hearts all over the globe.
Laura has performed throughout Europe, South America and Asia. As a Dutch singer, she even managed to conquer the Chinese market, a unique achievement!
There have often been surprises there, such as when she was invited to the TV show for the World Expo, which introduced her to a million-fold audience. “During the press conference, they remarked that the Chinese audience decided which foreign artist was to be invited, and that they had chosen me. It made me go very quiet for a moment.”
Surprises are typical for a performer who has re-invented herself many times. Since her dance hits with the girl group Centerfold in the early 1980s, Laura has travelled down numerous musical pathways, such as jazz, Latin, and chansons, not shying away from any genre or style. “I really dislike pigeon holes”, says the multi-faceted diva. “I’m always on the lookout for something new, because I don’t think you should repeat yourself. I can’t stand to be in a rut.” That wilful quest for renewal has rendered collaborations with such music luminaries as Toots Thielemans, Michel Legrand and Michael Franks.
Laura has also been presented with various gold and platinum discs and awards, as well as playing the lead role in Singapore of her favourite musical Victor/Victoria.
In the meantime Laura celebrated her 20th anniversary as a solo singer. For this occasion one of her biggest musical desires was fulfilled, to record an album with accompaniment of a big band. The release of this CD, number 12 already, was followed by an extensive tour in both the Netherlands and Asia where Laura performed with local big bands.
In 2012 she signed a contract with one of China’s largest record companies and recorded the CD Flower specifically for the Asian market. It contains original Chinese compositions that Laura had arranged in her own style. Some songs were translated into English and French, but she also sings four songs in the original Chinese!
What is the secret of her success? It is the combination of a number of things. First of all she has a husky voice with a beautiful diction and great timing, which has already been compared to that of Peggy Lee, and the intimacy of Julie London . She has an international appearance which enables her to perform in Ronnie Scott ‘s Jazz club in Soho with the same ease as on the biggest stages in most of the world cities. She looks beautiful and is as Latin as Jazzy . But the most important thing Laura is a storyteller, someone who knows how to turn a song into a story that touches you directly from her heart to yours. While it still swings like crazy!
In 2015 Laura celebrates her 25th anniversary as a solo artist. So far she has released 13 albums and has an international career she can be proud of! But quitting is still a long way … On the occasion of this anniversary Universal Music releases a double album with the most popular tracks that have been chosen by the fans on one cd and 12 special bonus tracks on the other. There are again several concerts planned in Asia and for the first time Laura will be going to Australia! The jazz diva still has many plans including a new cd with all new material….
To be continued!
A glamorous New Years Eve Gala with
Laura Fygi
December 31st, 2015
One Farrer Hotel and Spa
Accompanying Laura Fygi:
Mei Sheum - Piano
Sebastian Ho - Guitars
Shawn Letts - Tenor Saxophone
Tama Goh - Drums & Percussion
Christy Smith - Double Bass
Biography
Everywhere that Laura Fygi visits, she is a veritable vision of exotica. In her home country of the Netherlands, they know her as the woman who was raised in Uruguay as the daughter of an Egyptian belly dancer; in the Far East she is the emancipated Western lady who many others aspire to be. But wherever she may be, there’s one common factor in all of those locations: that instantly recognisable voice which has won her hearts all over the globe.
Laura has performed throughout Europe, South America and Asia. As a Dutch singer, she even managed to conquer the Chinese market, a unique achievement!
There have often been surprises there, such as when she was invited to the TV show for the World Expo, which introduced her to a million-fold audience. “During the press conference, they remarked that the Chinese audience decided which foreign artist was to be invited, and that they had chosen me. It made me go very quiet for a moment.”
Surprises are typical for a performer who has re-invented herself many times. Since her dance hits with the girl group Centerfold in the early 1980s, Laura has travelled down numerous musical pathways, such as jazz, Latin, and chansons, not shying away from any genre or style. “I really dislike pigeon holes”, says the multi-faceted diva. “I’m always on the lookout for something new, because I don’t think you should repeat yourself. I can’t stand to be in a rut.” That wilful quest for renewal has rendered collaborations with such music luminaries as Toots Thielemans, Michel Legrand and Michael Franks.
Laura has also been presented with various gold and platinum discs and awards, as well as playing the lead role in Singapore of her favourite musical Victor/Victoria.
In the meantime Laura celebrated her 20th anniversary as a solo singer. For this occasion one of her biggest musical desires was fulfilled, to record an album with accompaniment of a big band. The release of this CD, number 12 already, was followed by an extensive tour in both the Netherlands and Asia where Laura performed with local big bands.
In 2012 she signed a contract with one of China’s largest record companies and recorded the CD Flower specifically for the Asian market. It contains original Chinese compositions that Laura had arranged in her own style. Some songs were translated into English and French, but she also sings four songs in the original Chinese!
What is the secret of her success? It is the combination of a number of things. First of all she has a husky voice with a beautiful diction and great timing, which has already been compared to that of Peggy Lee, and the intimacy of Julie London . She has an international appearance which enables her to perform in Ronnie Scott ‘s Jazz club in Soho with the same ease as on the biggest stages in most of the world cities. She looks beautiful and is as Latin as Jazzy . But the most important thing Laura is a storyteller, someone who knows how to turn a song into a story that touches you directly from her heart to yours. While it still swings like crazy!
In 2015 Laura celebrates her 25th anniversary as a solo artist. So far she has released 13 albums and has an international career she can be proud of! But quitting is still a long way … On the occasion of this anniversary Universal Music releases a double album with the most popular tracks that have been chosen by the fans on one cd and 12 special bonus tracks on the other. There are again several concerts planned in Asia and for the first time Laura will be going to Australia! The jazz diva still has many plans including a new cd with all new material….
To be continued!
Everywhere that Laura Fygi visits, she is a veritable vision of exotica. In her home country of the Netherlands, they know her as the woman who was raised in Uruguay as the daughter of an Egyptian belly dancer; in the Far East she is the emancipated Western lady who many others aspire to be. But wherever she may be, there’s one common factor in all of those locations: that instantly recognisable voice which has won her hearts all over the globe.
Laura has performed throughout Europe, South America and Asia. As a Dutch singer, she even managed to conquer the Chinese market, a unique achievement!
There have often been surprises there, such as when she was invited to the TV show for the World Expo, which introduced her to a million-fold audience. “During the press conference, they remarked that the Chinese audience decided which foreign artist was to be invited, and that they had chosen me. It made me go very quiet for a moment.”
Surprises are typical for a performer who has re-invented herself many times. Since her dance hits with the girl group Centerfold in the early 1980s, Laura has travelled down numerous musical pathways, such as jazz, Latin, and chansons, not shying away from any genre or style. “I really dislike pigeon holes”, says the multi-faceted diva. “I’m always on the lookout for something new, because I don’t think you should repeat yourself. I can’t stand to be in a rut.” That wilful quest for renewal has rendered collaborations with such music luminaries as Toots Thielemans, Michel Legrand and Michael Franks.
Laura has also been presented with various gold and platinum discs and awards, as well as playing the lead role in Singapore of her favourite musical Victor/Victoria.
In the meantime Laura celebrated her 20th anniversary as a solo singer. For this occasion one of her biggest musical desires was fulfilled, to record an album with accompaniment of a big band. The release of this CD, number 12 already, was followed by an extensive tour in both the Netherlands and Asia where Laura performed with local big bands.
In 2012 she signed a contract with one of China’s largest record companies and recorded the CD Flower specifically for the Asian market. It contains original Chinese compositions that Laura had arranged in her own style. Some songs were translated into English and French, but she also sings four songs in the original Chinese!
What is the secret of her success? It is the combination of a number of things. First of all she has a husky voice with a beautiful diction and great timing, which has already been compared to that of Peggy Lee, and the intimacy of Julie London . She has an international appearance which enables her to perform in Ronnie Scott ‘s Jazz club in Soho with the same ease as on the biggest stages in most of the world cities. She looks beautiful and is as Latin as Jazzy . But the most important thing Laura is a storyteller, someone who knows how to turn a song into a story that touches you directly from her heart to yours. While it still swings like crazy!
In 2015 Laura celebrates her 25th anniversary as a solo artist. So far she has released 13 albums and has an international career she can be proud of! But quitting is still a long way … On the occasion of this anniversary Universal Music releases a double album with the most popular tracks that have been chosen by the fans on one cd and 12 special bonus tracks on the other. There are again several concerts planned in Asia and for the first time Laura will be going to Australia! The jazz diva still has many plans including a new cd with all new material….
To be continued!
An Evening with
the Braddel Heights Symphony Orchestra
at the Esplanade Concert Hall.
Fabulous !!!
A Not-so-Classical X'mas !
Nice to Start and End 2015 with this Fun Orchestra
Thank You Maestro Adrian Tan, Khor Ai Ming
and
the Braddel Heights Symphony Orchestra for having me !
The Braddell Heights Symphony Orchestra and The Joy Chorale
“A Not so Classical X’mas !”
With
Adrian Tan, conductor & music director
Khor Ai Ming, conductor & chorus master
&
Christy Smith as Principle Bassist
Dec 13th, 2015, 5pm
Esplanade Concert Hall
featuring:
Babes Conde
Leslie Tay
Alvin Tan
Samuel Yuen
Leroy Anderson
A Christmas Celebration
Craig Courtney
A Musicological Journey through the 12 Days of Christmas
John Rutter
The Reluctant Dragon
John Williams
Three Holidays Songs from “Home Alone”
Leroy Anderson
Sleigh Ride
Robert and Kristen Lopez (arr. Bob Krogstad)
Medley from Frozen
Frederick Silver (arr. D. Pippin)
The 12 Days after Christmas
Samuel Yuen, Treble
Leslie Tay, Tenor
Alvin Tan, Baritone
What would Christmas carols set to popular Hokkien tunes or a song about the 12 days after Christmas sound like? Explore the possibilities in this fun-filled festive concert.
Following their acclaimed performance of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony at Esplanade in January, the Braddell Heights Symphony Orchestra and The Joy Chorale return this Christmas to amuse and entertain the whole family!
With Christy Smith as Principle Bassist
Friday, December 4, 2015
The SingJazz Club
a night with
CHRISTY SMITH
Featuring
Nicole Duffel - Tenor Saxophone
Andrew Lim - Guitar
Eddie Layman - Drums
Christy Smith - Vocals & Basses
A tasteful selection of Jazz, Bebop, R&B in standard fashion
Nicole Duffel - Tenor Saxophone
Eddie Layman - Drums
Andrew Lim - Guitars
Red Bank Bar and Grill Singapore
Presenting International Jazz every Thursday, Friday and Saturday with the Christy Smith Quartet !
The Kuala Lumpur International Jazz and Arts Festival
10th to 13th September 2015
University of Malaya
Kuala Lumpur
With
the Eric Wyatt Quartet
Eric Wyatt
Saxophones
Benito Gonzalez - Piano
Eddie Layman - Drums
Christy Smith - Basses
Christy Smith playing with
Tony & Roby Lakatos
August 28th
&
September 1st
at No Black Tie
and
Saturday 29th&30th
at Publika
Kuala Lumpur
with
Tony Lakatos
Saxophones
Roby Lakatos - Violin
Tay Cher Siang - Keys
John Thomas - Drums
Christy Smith - Basses
at Publika Kuala Lumpur
Dreams, BHSOs third concert for its Seasons 2015
shows home grown talents Gabriel Ng, Low Shao Ying and Low Shao Suan.
Gabriel Ng, violin virtuoso, performs Astor Piazzollas Four Seasons of Buenos Aires.
With Christy Smith on basses.
Melissa Tham and Christy Smith
performing at the SG50 Music Festival
together with
Jeremy Monteiro, Rani Singam,
Tamagoh, Rit Xu & Andrew Lim.
The National Stadium, August 7th, 2015
See the live recording here:
A fabulous showcase of Singapore Jazz at SING50 !
With Jeremy Monteiro, Christy Smith
Tamagoh, Rani Singam
Rit Xu & Andrew Lim.
Yes, very much enjoyed performing with the Jeremy Monteiro Band feat. Rani Singam, Jacintha Abisheganaden,Melissa Tham. Big shout out to all the performers & everyone involved ,Awesome,What a labor of Love , Happy Birthday Singapore !!!!!!
As I was leaving the stage stairs, my eyes locked in on the great Randy Jackson as we greeted one another; I was talking oh so fast as our moment was to be brief . Thankful fa sure !!Very uplifting , as I am a long time fan of his Bass playing and other contributions for us all. Big shout out to The Big Dawg!!! Nice to meet you again Randy!
Esplanade Celebrates 50 Years of Singapore Music
Esplanade Jazz in July 2015
Café 21 Living Room
Sunday July 12th
5pm – 8pm
Concourse
Throwback Series:
Somerset's Bar and Harry's Bar
with the Christy Smith Quartet
This year, audiences are invited to take a walk down memory lane through a special Throwback Series at the Concourse every Sunday in July. In the series, some of Singapore’s most eminent jazz veterans – Louis Soliano, Diana Jarrett, Don Gomes, Christy Smith, Rick Smith and Jeremy Monteiro, amongst others – will perform their signature tunes and share stories of Singapore’s jazz scene from the 1960s to the present day. This includes the Golden Venus club from the 1960s and 70s, Somerset’s Bar at the former Westin Hotel from the 90s and Jazz@Southbridge at Boat Quay from the early 2000s.
See also SG50 Press Release: Esplanade Celebrates 50 Years of Singapore Music
Somerset’s Bar at the former Westin Hotel is recognised as one of the best places to listen to Jazz in the 90s, with jazz musicians from all over the world having performed in this watering hole. In the first set of this evening’s performance, former Somerset’s Bar bassist Christy Smith pays musical tribute to this venue and to his friend and jazz stalwart Eldee Young and drummer Redd Holt.
Joining him will be drummer Eddie Layman, pianist Mei Sheum and guitarist Rick Smith. Following this in the second set, the ensemble celebrates live jazz music at Harry’s Bar at Boat Quay, their house band ChromaZone and the ever popular Sunday night jam sessions.
Tribute to the late Eldee Young, here with his Lifetime Award in 2005
With:
Jeremy Monteiro, Christy Smith, Melissa Tham
Goh Yong Seng Tamagoh, Robert Fernando, Julian Chan
Stephen Francis, Mohamed Noor, Rit Xu
A great group shot after Jeremy’s 55th birthday jam session and party.
May 22nd, 2015
SingJazz Club
Ernesto Enriquez - Guitar
Eivind Lødemel - Keys
Christy Smith - Basses
Leo Muños - Congas
Pablo Calzado - Drums
Click on picture to go to OraStream
May 14th & 16th, 2015
Launch for the debut solo album by
Melissa Tham
Entitled "Falling In Love Again"
at SingJazz Club from 9pm onwards
Melissa Tham - Vocals,
Jeremy Monteiro - Piano
Shawn Letts - Saxophones
Christy Smith - Bass
Hong Chanutr Techatananan - Drums
Recording at 32Bit Recording Studio
Brad Swope, Christy Smith, Goh Yong Seng Tamagoh
producer Huang Junxiang
sound engineer Ross Ahmad
Original soundtrack by
Susan Harmer Lauw
for the documentary Forgotten Flavours.
March 7th, 2015 at 5pm
Esplanade Concert Hall
Orchestra of the Music Makers
with the Jeremy Monteiro Trio
JOHN KANDER, Chicago
DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH, Suite for Variety Orchestra (Selections)
KELLY TANG, Montage: Concerto for Jazz Piano and Orchestra
GEORGE GERSHWIN, An American in Paris
Chan Tze Law, conductor
Jeremy Monteiro, piano
Tama Goh, drums
Christy Smith, bass
OMM joins forces with Cultural Medallion recipient and Singapore’s very own “Giant of Jazz” Jeremy Monteiro for this year’s OMMProm! Together with members of his Trio, Tama Goh and Christy Smith, he will be performing Kelly Tang’s re-orchestrated Montage – Concerto for Jazz Piano and Orchestra, which he recently toured with Singapore Chinese Orchestra to resounding success, with OMM.
The Orchestra performs music from the Tony award-winning musical, Chicago, swings with Shostakovich's Suite (formerly known as the Jazz Suite 2) with its famous Waltz used in dozens of films. Capturing the glamour and excitement of Paris in the 1920s, down to the taxi horns and café tunes, Gershwin's An American in Paris is not only a masterpiece, but also a great deal of fun!
The Christy Smith Quartet
with Melissa Tham
at the Singapore Jazz Fesival March 8th, 2015
with Christy Smith, Willie Jones III
Keith Loftis and Nial Djuliarso
Willie Jones III, Lee Pearson II, Keith Loftis and Christy Smith
at the Singapore International Jazz Festival,
March 6th-8th, 2015
Nial Djuliarso, Willie Jones III, Keith Loftis and Christy Smith
at the Singapore International Jazz Festival, March 6th-8th, 2015
Thank you Keith Loftis, Willie Jones III and Nial Djuliarso !
That was a great musical cookout that Saturday night.
The Christy Smith Quartet
featuring
Willie Jones III, Keith Loftis, Nial Djuliarso
Melissa Tham
and Christy Smith
In tribute, we are giving musical thanks to John Coltrane, Joe Henderson and Frank Foster amongst other composers.
All of us have been influenced by the history and music of Jazz (and I say Jazz carefully !). Not so long ago this music has bridged into this millennium and to now universally speaking.
From its origin to that of my generation and after me to future generations it will continue to flourish. For it takes many a man and women to build that bridge and to see the musical brick layers keep coming is magnanimous!
Well, come hear us playing together for the first time !
We will definitely be at work sharing music whilst trying to nail it down !!!
Peace, Love, Good Rhythm & Music to you all !!!
Christy Smith
NUS Jazz band rehearsal with Hans Jonathan Charis, Ray Fellix Ganardi,
Christy Smith and William Naftali 26022015
Red Roof Records:
We were really happy to write and produce the jingle for Mediacorp's advertisement. It was harder to keep it hush when we had the best to come record the session. IT WAS A TREAT.
Sebastian Ho on guitar
Don Gomes on piano
Eddie Layman on drums
Christy Smith on bass
Richard Jackson on vocals
Music written & produced by our very lovely RUTH LING!
Hope you enjoy this advertisement, Singapore. Happy 50th!
Click on picture to go to OraStream
Get in the
Lunar New Year mood !
Jazzy arrangements
Chinese New Year tunes
Favourite Evergreens
Click on poster to order CD

featuring:
Tony Lakatos, Rit Xu
Jens Bunge, Moses Gay En Hui
Christy Smith
Goh Yong Seng Tamagoh
Mohamed Noor
Jeremy Monteiro launched his Chinese New Year CD 29012015
with Tamagoh, Claude Verly and Christy Smith
Kick-start the New Year and celebrations of Singapore’s 50th year of independence with Braddell Heights Symphony Orchestra (BHSO) as they present “JOY!” – Beethoven’s 9th Symphony.
Music Director & Conductor: Adrian Tan
Joy Chorale: Khor Ai Ming (Chorus Mistress)
As Singapore’s longest-serving community orchestra, BHSO will begin this musical journey through time with Overture in C – The Story of Singapore, composed by Cultural Medallion recipient and local jazz legend Jeremy Monteiro, International Musician Christy Smith on Bass and Tamagoh on Drums.
The overture, which contains a line from the well-loved national song, One People, One Nation, One Singapore, tells the story of Singapore’s transformation from a sleepy fishing village to the modern city that it is today.
The concert will culminate in Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D minor, best known for its theme Ode to Joy, which continues toinspire hope and joy around the world. The 80-strong orchestra, comprising primarily of amateur musicians with a passion for music, will be conducted by music director and conductor, Adrian Tan. They will be accompanied by soloists and The Joy Chorale led by chorus mistress, Khor Ai Ming.
Friday, January 16th, 2015,
SingJazz Club
Anne Weerapass
Don Gomes - Piano
Eddie Layman - Drums
Sebastian Ho - Guitars
Christy Smith - Basses
Monster Trio !, Saturday January 10th, 2015
Blu Jaz Café
Greg Lyons - Saxophone
Darren Moore - Piano
Christy Smith - Bass
Juliana De Silva, Friday January 9th, 2015
Singjazz Club
with
Tony Lakatos - Tenor Saxophone
Jeremy Monteiro - Piano
Tamagoh - Drums
Christy Smith - Bass
The Lakatos Monteiro
Quartet
January 7th, 2015
Singjazz Club
Featuring
Melissa Tham - Vocals
with
Tony Lakatos - Tenor Saxophone
Jeremy Monteiro - Piano
Tamagoh - Drums
Christy Smith - Bass
Jeremy Monteiro swinging all the way on piano.
"with Tony Lakatos on Sax swinging his buns off, Christy Smith swanging like a banshee and Shawn Kelley laying it down and telling it like it is."
Also contributing:
Axel Schlosser, Wesley Gehring and Jens Bunge.
Recording by Klaus Endel and Martin Endel at Sound & More Studios and video shooting and editing by Roman Korshan.
Wanna hear the whole tune? Please buy the CD or legal digital download when its out out in November 2014"
With Dylan Foster
SingJazz Club
December 26th, 2014
Rick Smith - Guitars
Mario Serio - keys
Gman - Drums
Christy Smith - Bass
A Jazzy Christmas, Esplanade Singapore, December 20th 2014
Jeremy Monteiro - Piano
Rani Singam - Vocals
featuring:
Tony Lakatos, Rit Xu
Jens Bunge, Moses Gay En Hui
Christy Smith
Goh Yong Seng Tamagoh
Mohamed Noor
Stars of Christmas, December 11th 2014
With Beverly Lim Morata at Singjazz Club November 26th, 2014
Beverly Morata - Vocals,
Wei Xiang - Piano,
Munir Alsagoff - Guitar,
Christy Smith - Basses
Jazzy Sunday at the
Singapore Botanical Gardens
September 28th, 2014
Dylan Foster at Singjazz September 13th, 2014
with
Mario Serio - Piano
Rick Smith - Guitar
Christy Smith - Bass
Gman - Drums
Yvette Atienza performing
aSingJazz Club
July 31st, 2014
featuring:
Yvette Atienza - Vocals
Mario Serio - Piano
Gman - Drums
Christy Smith - Basses
27072014
JZ Club Shanghai
with
Ernie Watts - Saxophone
Jeremy Monteiro - Piano
Tamagoh - Drums
Christy Smith - Basses
Jeremy Monteiro
Composition Tour
Special Guest Ernie Watts
JZ Club Shanghai
July 27th 2014
with
Ernie Watts - Saxophone
Jeremy Monteiro - Piano
Tamagoh - Drums
Christy Smith - Basses
Jeremy Monteiro
Composition Tour July 22nd & 23rd 2014 with
Rani Singam - Vocals
Ernie Watts - Saxophone
Jeremy Monteiro - Piano
Michael Veerapen - Piano
Rit Xu - Flutes
Tamagoh - Drums
Christy Smith - Basses
Gaia Grooves Gig
Richard Jackson - Vocals, Keys Abraham - Vocals
Wei Xiang - Piano, Eddie Layman - Drums, Christy Smith - Basses
Hosted by Missy Gaia: Mallika Naguran
Gaia Grooves Gig is a charity event with Asia's finest jazz, soul, roots and R&B in an intimate setting for those who love nature. The premiere event is themed on trees and rainforests, as such, deforestation issues will be also discussed against a musical setting.
Haze, or transboundary air pollution, affects Singapore yearly due to forest/plantation fires in neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia.
Gaia Discovery, the organiser of this event, hopesGaia Grooves Gig is a charity event with Asia's finest jazz, soul, roots and R&B in an intimate setting for those who love nature. The premiere event is themed on trees and rainforests, as such, deforestation issues will be also discussed against a musical setting.
Haze, or transboundary air pollution, affects Singapore yearly due to forest/plantation fires in neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia.
Gaia Discovery, the organiser of this event, hopes to raise awareness of the social and environmental impacts caused by this extreme environmental disaster through live events, in addition to articles and research. Founder Mallika Naguran says, "Music is a medium through which people can be moved from within to love nature. The gig supports Gaia Discovery with the fundamental mission of reaching out to people, towards change for the better.", in addition to articles and research. Founder Mallika Naguran says, "Music is a medium through which people can be moved from within to love nature. The gig supports Gaia Discovery with the fundamental mission of reaching out to people, towards change for the better."
June 21st & 28th 2014, eZra Brown - Saxophone,
Wei Xiang - Piano,
G-Man and Darryl Ervin - Drums,
Christy Smith - Basses
SingJazzClub
June 3rd, 2014
JAZZ BRASILEIRO
Jeremy Monteiro, Juliana da Silva
Christy Smith, Shawn Letts
Goh Yong Seng Tamagoh, Rick Smith
Mohamed Noor and Rit Xu.
Pianobotanica
June 1st, 2014
JAZZ BRASILEIRO
Jeremy Monteiro, Juliana da Silva
Christy Smith, Shawn Letts
Goh Yong Seng Tamagoh, Rick Smith
Mohamed Noor and Rit Xu.
Christy Smith
KL International Jazz Festival
May, 2014
Christy Smith / Kirk Lightsey Quartet
featuring
Keith Loftis & Nicholas Mcbride
At the MAS oneworld Stage. This was it. Straight Ahead at the Top. If Christy Smith provided the foundation for the straight ahead stuff with the Patrick Terbrack New York Quartet earlier, this time it was the top cats Christy Smith/Kirk Lightsey featuring Keith Loftis and Nicholas Mcbride. Experienced musicians with impeccable reputation. Christy is one of the top session bass players in Asia. From backing up Sarah Vaughn, Randy Brecker, Dave Weckl to Stevie Wonder. Kirk Lightsey himself worked with jazz legend Betty Carter and toured with Dexter Gordon for years. Keith Loftis has been described as the most dynamic jazz saxophonist as of today. He was in Roy Hargrove’s Big Band, and also backed-up Pop/R& B artists like Mary J. Blige and Usher. Nicholas Mcbride is known for his versatility and has played with countless musicians and is currently based in Shanghai since 2002.
Their performance was a most wonderful experience. The audience in front of them could literally feel the energy. They opened with a drum solo to announce their music. The first composition was ‘Premonition’ By Michael Stanton (dedicated this to his memory). Second one was ‘The Time is Now‘. Finally a trilogy of three songs ‘PEE WEE ‘ Tony Willams; which settled into a bass and flute duet with Kirk that introduced the composition HABIBA that interlocks with Heaven Dance composed by Kirk Lightsey. Last was a MCcoy Tyner blues ‘ Blues on the Corner’.
The Christy Smith / Kirk Lightsey Quartet
featuring
Keith Loftis and Nicholas Mc Bride
KL International Jazz Festival
May, 2014
Christy Smith / Kirk Lightsey Quartet
featuring
Keith Loftis & Nicholas Mcbride
At the MAS oneworld Stage. This was it. Straight Ahead at the Top. If Christy Smith provided the foundation for the straight ahead stuff with the Patrick Terbrack New York Quartet earlier, this time it was the top cats Christy Smith/Kirk Lightsey featuring Keith Loftis and Nicholas Mcbride. Experienced musicians with impeccable reputation. Christy is one of the top session bass players in Asia. From backing up Sarah Vaughn, Randy Brecker, Dave Weckl to Stevie Wonder. Kirk Lightsey himself worked with jazz legend Betty Carter and toured with Dexter Gordon for years. Keith Loftis has been described as the most dynamic jazz saxophonist as of today. He was in Roy Hargrove’s Big Band, and also backed-up Pop/R& B artists like Mary J. Blige and Usher. Nicholas Mcbride is known for his versatility and has played with countless musicians and is currently based in Shanghai since 2002.
Their performance was a most wonderful experience. The audience in front of them could literally feel the energy. They opened with a drum solo to announce their music. The first composition was ‘Premonition’ By Michael Stanton (dedicated this to his memory). Second one was ‘The Time is Now‘. Finally a trilogy of three songs ‘PEE WEE ‘ Tony Willams; which settled into a bass and flute duet with Kirk that introduced the composition HABIBA that interlocks with Heaven Dance composed by Kirk Lightsey. Last was a MCcoy Tyner blues ‘ Blues on the Corner’.
The Christy Smith / Kirk Lightsey Quartet
featuring
Keith Loftis and Nicholas Mc Bride
KL International Jazz Festival
May, 2014
Click on picture for full report.
Christy Smith / Kirk Lightsey Quartet
featuring
Keith Loftis & Nicholas Mcbride
At the MAS oneworld Stage. This was it. Straight Ahead at the Top. If Christy Smith provided the foundation for the straight ahead stuff with the Patrick Terbrack New York Quartet earlier, this time it was the top cats Christy Smith/Kirk Lightsey featuring Keith Loftis and Nicholas Mcbride. Experienced musicians with impeccable reputation. Christy is one of the top session bass players in Asia. From backing up Sarah Vaughn, Randy Brecker, Dave Weckl to Stevie Wonder. Kirk Lightsey himself worked with jazz legend Betty Carter and toured with Dexter Gordon for years. Keith Loftis has been described as the most dynamic jazz saxophonist as of today. He was in Roy Hargrove’s Big Band, and also backed-up Pop/R& B artists like Mary J. Blige and Usher. Nicholas Mcbride is known for his versatility and has played with countless musicians and is currently based in Shanghai since 2002.
Their performance was a most wonderful experience. The audience in front of them could literally feel the energy. They opened with a drum solo to announce their music. The first composition was ‘Premonition’ By Michael Stanton (dedicated this to his memory). Second one was ‘The Time is Now‘. Finally a trilogy of three songs ‘PEE WEE ‘ Tony Willams; which settled into a bass and flute duet with Kirk that introduced the composition HABIBA that interlocks with Heaven Dance composed by Kirk Lightsey. Last was a MCcoy Tyner blues ‘ Blues on the Corner’.
The Christy Smith / Kirk Lightsey Quartet
featuring
Keith Loftis and Nicholas Mc Bride
KL International Jazz Festival
May, 2014
Christy Smith / Kirk Lightsey Quartet
featuring
Keith Loftis & Nicholas Mcbride
At the MAS oneworld Stage. This was it. Straight Ahead at the Top. If Christy Smith provided the foundation for the straight ahead stuff with the Patrick Terbrack New York Quartet earlier, this time it was the top cats Christy Smith/Kirk Lightsey featuring Keith Loftis and Nicholas Mcbride. Experienced musicians with impeccable reputation. Christy is one of the top session bass players in Asia. From backing up Sarah Vaughn, Randy Brecker, Dave Weckl to Stevie Wonder. Kirk Lightsey himself worked with jazz legend Betty Carter and toured with Dexter Gordon for years. Keith Loftis has been described as the most dynamic jazz saxophonist as of today. He was in Roy Hargrove’s Big Band, and also backed-up Pop/R& B artists like Mary J. Blige and Usher. Nicholas Mcbride is known for his versatility and has played with countless musicians and is currently based in Shanghai since 2002.
Their performance was a most wonderful experience. The audience in front of them could literally feel the energy. They opened with a drum solo to announce their music. The first composition was ‘Premonition’ By Michael Stanton (dedicated this to his memory). Second one was ‘The Time is Now‘. Finally a trilogy of three songs ‘PEE WEE ‘ Tony Willams; which settled into a bass and flute duet with Kirk that introduced the composition HABIBA that interlocks with Heaven Dance composed by Kirk Lightsey. Last was a MCcoy Tyner blues ‘ Blues on the Corner’.
KL International Jazz & Arts Festival
May 17th and 18th, 2014
University of Malaya
Christy Smith / Kirk Lightsey Quartet
featuring
Keith Loftis and Nicholas Mc Bride
Christy Smith / Kirk Lightsey Quartet
featuring
Keith Loftis & Nicholas Mcbride
At the MAS oneworld Stage. This was it. Straight Ahead at the Top. If Christy Smith provided the foundation for the straight ahead stuff with the Patrick Terbrack New York Quartet earlier, this time it was the top cats Christy Smith/Kirk Lightsey featuring Keith Loftis and Nicholas Mcbride. Experienced musicians with impeccable reputation. Christy is one of the top session bass players in Asia. From backing up Sarah Vaughn, Randy Brecker, Dave Weckl to Stevie Wonder. Kirk Lightsey himself worked with jazz legend Betty Carter and toured with Dexter Gordon for years. Keith Loftis has been described as the most dynamic jazz saxophonist as of today. He was in Roy Hargrove’s Big Band, and also backed-up Pop/R& B artists like Mary J. Blige and Usher. Nicholas Mcbride is known for his versatility and has played with countless musicians and is currently based in Shanghai since 2002.
Their performance was a most wonderful experience. The audience in front of them could literally feel the energy. They opened with a drum solo to announce their music. The first composition was ‘Premonition’ By Michael Stanton (dedicated this to his memory). Second one was ‘The Time is Now‘. Finally a trilogy of three songs ‘PEE WEE ‘ Tony Willams; which settled into a bass and flute duet with Kirk that introduced the composition HABIBA that interlocks with Heaven Dance composed by Kirk Lightsey. Last was a MCcoy Tyner blues ‘ Blues on the Corner’.
The jazzspotlight:
World’s renowned bassist Christy Smith is a familiar name to jazz fans in the U.S. and Singapore, where he currently lives. After graduating with a Bachelor of Music from California University Fullerton, Smith went on to establish himself as one of today’s most versatile artists. In addition to being a double bass player, he is also a composer, arranger and teacher. During his career, he has either performed or recorded with international stars like Stevie Wonder, Charlie Haden and George Bohannon.
Kirk Lightsey and Christy Smith
Credits: bongoutmusic.tumblr.com & noblacktie.com.my
At the KL International Jazz Festival, Christy Smith will lead his quartet along with pianist Kirk Lightsey, known for his tours with Dexter Gordon (from 1979 to 1983), for being a member of The Leaders (in the late 1980s) and collaborations with the likes of Pharoah Sanders, Chet Baker, Kenny Burrell and, more recently, Gregory Porter. On Sunday night, Smith and Lightsey will be joined on stage by two special guests: Nicholas McBride and Keith Loftis.
Drummer Nicholas McBride is well-known to jazz crowds in Australia, his birthplace, the US, India and China, where he relocated to from 1992 to 2002. McBride is famous for having played with various prominent jazz names, as well as for being one of the founding members of the non-profit music collective the Jazzgroove Association, one of Sydney’s most successful creative music oganizations.
Dallas-born Keith Loftis is considered one of today’s most dynamic jazz saxophonists. After studying jazz and classical music as a child, he graduated from the nationally recognized Booker T. Washington High School of the Visual and Performing ARts, where he was fellow classmate of two-time Grammy Award winner Roy Hargrove. Known for his extensive tours around the globe, with stops in Europe, Asia and parts of the Middle East, Keith Loftis now regularly performs with South African jazz maestro Abdullah Ibrahim, master drummer Michael Carvin adn the Roy Hargrove Big Band.
Borneo Jazz
May, 9th and 10th, 2014.
Christy Smith performing with Diana Liu
Lewis Pragasam and Tan Wei Xiang.
Thomson Big Band Magic
20 years of Jazz with Christy Smith
Esplanade Singapore
April 20th, 2014
featuring
Greta Matassa, Greg Glassman
Alemay Fernandez
April 11th, 2014
Singjazz Club
with
Yvette Atienza - Vocals
Mario Serio - Piano & Keyboards
Louis Soliano - Drums
Christy Smith - Basses
Kathleen Potten
April 3rd, 2014
Sultan Jazz Club
Christy Smith on Bass
Darryl Ervin on Drums
Sebastiaan Ho on Guitar
The Christy Smith Pac Pacific Treeo
Me Sheum - Piano
Christy Smith - Bass
Eddie Layman - Drums
March 27th, 2014
The Sultan jazz Club
The International
Women’s Day, March 8th, 2014
University of Malaya
Kuala Lumpur
Singapore Jazz Festival 2014
Christy Smith and Zora Imani Smith
James Morrison
Richard Jackson
Roberta Gambarini
Shawn Kelly
Playfreely+ 2014, January 10-12th
Christmas Eve Jazz Night 2013
Halia, Raffles Hotel
Jeremy Monteiro - Piano
Christy Smith - Bass
TamaGoh - Drums
Merry Bebop !
With Jeremy Monteiro and Friends.
Dec 21th, 2013
Esplanade Concert Hall
Sultan Jazz Club
Featuring
Viva Vinson - Vocals
Mario Serio - piano
Christy Smith - Bass,
Eddie Layman - drums
December 4th, 2013
November 29th, 2013
School of The Arts (SOTA), Singapore
The Russia-Singapore Jazz Symphonia Concert
with the Jeremy Monteiro Sextet
featuring Christy Smith on Double Bass
KLJazz International Jazz Day 2013
with the Christy Smith Quartet
The Maya Nova Quartet - July 10, 2012
June 2013:
Three Diva’s Asian Tour
Jeremy Montero
Shawn Kelley
Christy Smith
featuring singers
Melissa Tham from Singapore
Eileina D'Ennis from Britain
Nancy Kelly from the United States
Performances in Singapore, Jakarta, Tapei and Bangkok.
Sultan Jazz Club
March 13th & 14th, 2013
Magos Herrera – vocals
Christy Smith – Bass
Kerong Chok – Piano
Alex Kautz – Drums
Sultan Jazz Club November 22nd, 2012
Christy’s Birthday celebration
Christy Smith and Friends Live at the Sultan Jazz Club, November 23th, 2012
The Ernie Watts / Jeremy Monteiro International Trio
Ernie Watts - Saxophone,
Eugene Pao - Guitar
Jeremy Monteiro - Piano
Christy Smith - Bass
Shawn Kelley - Drums
At Grappas Cellar in Hong Kong July 2011
With Alex Foster June 3,4,10 & 11, 2011
at No Black Tie Kuala Lumpur
Alex Foster - Saxophone
Wei Xiang - Piano
Valtinho Anastacio
Poster/Ad for the Singapore-France Jazz
Alliance Francaise Concert 25/26 March 2010
March, 2010:
GAUNG: 21st Century Global Music Education integrating science and spiritualities, masters and musicians from 8 countries, held in Bedugul National Park Bali, Indonesia.
To balance what could become a somewhat cerebral and advanced foray into avant-garde aesthetics, gurus such as American jazz bassist Christy Smith kept things practical and entertained everyone with his earthy humour.
Jeremy Monteiro Trio
Christy Smith on bass
Soh Wen Ming on drums
at the APEC banquet November 14th, 2009
The late Michael Stanton performing at Brix Singapore April 21st 2006
Michael Stanton - piano, keyboards arranger, and producer – With four decades in the music business, Michael was easily one of the most experienced and versatile pianists in Singapore. Michael ’s incredibly vast experience in the music business included performing with and co-writing songs with musical giants Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder and touring with legends like Natalie Cole, Patti Labelle, Aretha Franklin, among many others. Including touring Europe, Africa, the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia and playing jazz and Latin music with stalwarts like Willie Bobo, Jean Luc Ponty, Freddie Hubbard, Bob Cranshaw and Eloise Laws, Michael possessed a stunning and powerful musical approach, a tasteful and imaginative expression and an outstanding ability to add colour to a musical piece.
Premonition from :
Christy Smith's - The Time Is Now Sessions
Composed by Michael Stanton
See his life on the youtube video below or click on Michaels picture above to go directly to YouTube
Music and pictures walk us through the life of Los Angeles native Michael Stanton. He spent the last 12 years of his life as a resident of Bedok, Singapore. He was an amazing piano player who played, arranged and wrote for many musical greats including Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye to name a few.
News Article from TODAYonline, December 2008:
MUSICIANS have never shied away from giving support to a worthy cause from Live Aid to Live Earth. And this weekend, several of the top musicians in Singapore are rallying to help an ailing friend in need: Jazz keyboardist Michael Stanton.
The American keyboardist, based here since 1997, was diagnosed last Thursday with terminal pancreatic cancer, and some of his closest friends and collaborators are holding a benefit concert to raise funds for his medical treatment, and to send him safely home to his family in Compton, California.
Stanton, a consummate pianist, arranger and songwriter, has performed with some of the top names in Asian jazz, including pianist Jeremy Monteiro, singer Anne Weerapass, Malaysian jazz drumming legend Lewis Pragasam and saxophonist Greg Lyons.
However, even before reaching our shores, the Californian perfected his chops with the likes of Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, ChakaKhan, Patti LaBelle and Stevie Wonder — you can hear him on Wonder’s groundbreaking album from 1977, Songs in the Key of Life.
Stanton arrived here at the behest of fellow musician and Compton native, Christy Smith, who played bass with Harry’s resident band Chromazone. After a stint at the now-defunct Somerset Jazz Bar at the former Westin Stamford Hotel, Stanton decided to make Singapore his home, performing at Harry’s at Boat Quay, Swing@Cuppage Terrace, Raffles Hotel, Jazz@Southbridge and most recently, QuaruBar@Dempsey Hill.
MUSICIANS have never shied away from giving support to a worthy cause from Live Aid to Live Earth. And this weekend, several of the top musicians in Singapore are rallying to help an ailing friend in need: Jazz keyboardist Michael Stanton.
The American keyboardist, based here since 1997, was diagnosed last Thursday with terminal pancreatic cancer, and some of his closest friends and collaborators are holding a benefit concert to raise funds for his medical treatment, and to send him safely home to his family in Compton, California.
Stanton, a consummate pianist, arranger and songwriter, has performed with some of the top names in Asian jazz, including pianist Jeremy Monteiro, singer Anne Weerapass, Malaysian jazz drumming legend Lewis Pragasam and saxophonist Greg Lyons.
However, even before reaching our shores, the Californian perfected his chops with the likes of Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, ChakaKhan, Patti LaBelle and Stevie Wonder — you can hear him on Wonder’s groundbreaking album from 1977, Songs in the Key of Life.
Stanton arrived here at the behest of fellow musician and Compton native, Christy Smith, who played bass with Harry’s resident band Chromazone. After a stint at the now-defunct Somerset Jazz Bar at the former Westin Stamford Hotel, Stanton decided to make Singapore his home, performing at Harry’s at Boat Quay, Swing@Cuppage Terrace, Raffles Hotel, Jazz@Southbridge and most recently, QuaruBar@Dempsey Hill.
Christy Smith with Chromazone in Harry's Bar
Dini Clarke (R) with Christy Smith, Terry Ng, Mei Sheum, Eddy Layman, Rick Smith
LaJazz:
Dini Clarke Has Died
(Jun 16, 2009 9:37 AM EDT)
Beloved Dini Clarke passed away the early morning of June 14th, 2009 from heart failure. He was a dear friend and will be greatly missed.
Extraordinary musician, arranger, vocal coach, pianist, dancer, actor, singer of songs, beloved Dini Clarke passed away the early morning of June 14th, 2009 from heart failure. He was originally from Washington D.C. but has been a mainstay in the Los Angeles community for over four decades.
Dini entered the U.S. Navy and became Musician 2nd Class Petty Officer playing clarinet in the military band and piano in the dance band. He earned his bachelor degree in piano and voice, completing graduate work in composition and musicology with Mark Fax at Howard University. This was also the beginning of his enduring teaching career by giving voice classes both at Howard University and privately. The next few years Dini, with his trio, backed several singers including Mel Tormé, Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Eartha Kitt, Diahann Carroll and Al Hibbler. In addition, Dini has played in various groups such as Sonny Stitt, Gene Ammons, Tiny Grimes, Louis Jordan, Kai and Jay, Eddie South and Stuff Smith.
Moving to New York, under management of Mercer Ellington, Dini composed lyrics to songs of Billy Strayhorn and began a song writing career. While living in New York City, he continued to vocal coach and worked in the legal department at ASCAP as a music analyst. At night you'd find him performing in various night spots. While vacationing in Los Angeles, he was offered the job of musical director of an NBC show called "Fragments" for which he composed the theme, sang several songs, arranged and conducted the music. He remained in L.A., studying dance with Roland Dupree, and acting with Leonard Nimoy which led to an acting career that encompassed appearances on "General Hospital," "Hill Street Blues," and 16 episodes of "Misfits of Science".
Dini was a much sought after voice teacher-coach, having had the position of Vocal Director for eleven musicals, including "West Side Story," "Oliver" and "Gypsy". He taught privately as well for such well known artists as Roberta Flack, Al Jarreau (winner of five GRAMMY Awards), Ernestine Anderson (receiver of five GRAMMY nominations), Peabo Bryson (winner of more than five GRAMMY awards), Lonnette McKee of "Cotton Club" and "'Round Midnight" fame, Debbie Shapiro-Gravitte (who won a TONY Award for her performance in "Jerome Robbins' Broadway"), Dianne Reeves (also a GRAMMY winner) and numerous others. Dini taught voice classes at Los Angeles City College for 16 years, as well as USC Music Department, Howard University and at Leimert Park's World Stage Theater in Los Angeles.
He was a dear friend and will be greatly missed!
Dini Clarke Has Died
(Jun 16, 2009 9:37 AM EDT)
Beloved Dini Clarke passed away the early morning of June 14th, 2009 from heart failure. He was a dear friend and will be greatly missed.
Extraordinary musician, arranger, vocal coach, pianist, dancer, actor, singer of songs, beloved Dini Clarke passed away the early morning of June 14th, 2009 from heart failure. He was originally from Washington D.C. but has been a mainstay in the Los Angeles community for over four decades.
Dini entered the U.S. Navy and became Musician 2nd Class Petty Officer playing clarinet in the military band and piano in the dance band. He earned his bachelor degree in piano and voice, completing graduate work in composition and musicology with Mark Fax at Howard University. This was also the beginning of his enduring teaching career by giving voice classes both at Howard University and privately. The next few years Dini, with his trio, backed several singers including Mel Tormé, Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Eartha Kitt, Diahann Carroll and Al Hibbler. In addition, Dini has played in various groups such as Sonny Stitt, Gene Ammons, Tiny Grimes, Louis Jordan, Kai and Jay, Eddie South and Stuff Smith.
Moving to New York, under management of Mercer Ellington, Dini composed lyrics to songs of Billy Strayhorn and began a song writing career. While living in New York City, he continued to vocal coach and worked in the legal department at ASCAP as a music analyst. At night you'd find him performing in various night spots. While vacationing in Los Angeles, he was offered the job of musical director of an NBC show called "Fragments" for which he composed the theme, sang several songs, arranged and conducted the music. He remained in L.A., studying dance with Roland Dupree, and acting with Leonard Nimoy which led to an acting career that encompassed appearances on "General Hospital," "Hill Street Blues," and 16 episodes of "Misfits of Science".
Dini was a much sought after voice teacher-coach, having had the position of Vocal Director for eleven musicals, including "West Side Story," "Oliver" and "Gypsy". He taught privately as well for such well known artists as Roberta Flack, Al Jarreau (winner of five GRAMMY Awards), Ernestine Anderson (receiver of five GRAMMY nominations), Peabo Bryson (winner of more than five GRAMMY awards), Lonnette McKee of "Cotton Club" and "'Round Midnight" fame, Debbie Shapiro-Gravitte (who won a TONY Award for her performance in "Jerome Robbins' Broadway"), Dianne Reeves (also a GRAMMY winner) and numerous others. Dini taught voice classes at Los Angeles City College for 16 years, as well as USC Music Department, Howard University and at Leimert Park's World Stage Theater in Los Angeles.
He was a dear friend and will be greatly missed!
James Moody
and the
Jeremy Monteiro Trio
with
Jeremy Monteiro - Keys
Tamagoh - Drums
Christy Smith - Basses
At the Centro Cultural de Macau
September 9th, 2000
Christy Smith
with
Wes "Warm Daddy" Anderson,
Marcus Printup
and
Walter Blanding
Harry’ s Bar at Boat Quay
2002
Christy Smith (On the left) with Elvin Jones (middle), Clarence Johnston and Darryl Moore at the World Stage '92
1977 Sun Ra approached me individually almost everyday in Africa.
He spoke about the importance of discipline as a musician - as a spearhead for the future of the arts.
Christy Smith performed with Fela Kuti in 1977
On the side of Festac, at the African Shrine, Kalakuta Republic.
FESTAC '77:
Christy Smith performed with Troy Robinson and
The Creative Musicians, Watts Towers Foundation.
Press Picture of Bassist Christy Smith whose music takes our souls into the joyful.
One of most joyful and skilful musicians in Singapore with an awesome jazz groove.
Photograph by CLIP - Image Resource Centre Singapore
