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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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Vijay Iyer & Wadada Leo Smith: Defiant Life
by Doug Collette
As passionate as each man is intelligent, both pianist/composer Vijay Iyer and trumpeter/composer Wadada Leo Smith also manifest healthy egos. Accordingly, collaborations like Defiant Life require each man to contour his skills to complement the other sufficiently. Their shared humility is intrinsic to solidifying the inspiring bond that arises from the two not only playing, but composing together. In the end, the generosity of spirit maximizes the potency of the art these men create on this second of ...
Continue ReadingGiuseppe Segala's Best Jazz Albums Of 2024
by Giuseppe Segala
There is not much to add to this list, other than noting note that the order is alphabetical and, of course, does not reflect any ranking of merit. Without a doubt, 2024 has given us a wealth of wonderful music to listen to and revisit. Unfortunately, many noteworthy albums had to remain beyond the limit of ten CDs; in many cases, their inclusion or exclusion came down to highly subjective criteria, which could very well change in an hour or ...
Continue ReadingI dischi del 2024 secondo Giuseppe Segala
by Giuseppe Segala
Non c'è molto da aggiungere a questa lista: solo il fatto che l'ordine è alfabetico e, naturalmente, non segue una classifica di merito. Senza dubbio il 2024 ci ha dato tanta bella musica, da ascoltare e riascoltare. Purtroppo tante segnalazioni sono rimaste oltre il confine dei dieci CD: in tanti casi l'inclusione o meno è dovuta a criteri molto soggettivi, che tra un'ora o domani si potrebbero modificare. La musica ha bisogno di tempo. Viva chi la fa e chi ...
Continue ReadingJoe Fonda Quartet: Eyes on the Horizon
by Alberto Bazzurro
Quattro super-leader, fra cui anche il nostro Tiziano Tononi, per il quale far parte di questo illustre consesso rappresenta un'autentica medaglia, compongono l'organico protagonista di questo notevole album a nome del bassista (nonché, qui ma non solo qui, anche flautista) Joe Fonda, fresco settantenne, una carriera iniziata nei primi anni Ottanta proprio accanto a Wadada Leo Smith, che gli fa l'onore di tornare al suo fianco, e proseguita soprattutto accanto a Anthony Braxton (ma anche a Satoko Fujii, che qui ...
Continue ReadingRed Hook Records
by Hobart Taylor
Celebrating Red Hook Records artists Wadada Leo Smith, Amina Claudine Myers, Andrew Cyrille and others, plus new music from Samara Joy. Playlist Aymée Nuviola Kemuel Roig"Imágenes" from Havana Nocturne (Worldwide) 0:00 William Cepeda" Con El Corazón (Plena)" from The Sound of Puerto Rican Jazz (Casabe) 4:39 Sessa “Canção da Cura" from Estrela Acesa (Self Produced) 10:22 Tivon Pennicott" Con Alma" from Spirit Garden (New Phrase) 12:57 Paola Prestini & Magos Herrera" Con Alma" from Con Alma: An Operatic ...
Continue ReadingJoe Fonda: Eyes On The Horizon
by Mike Jurkovic
As we enter into the season of giving, what better gift can there be than Eyes on the Horizon, bassist/composer Joe Fonda's sonic tribute to his mentor, muse, and like-minded creator, trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith. As if welcoming one to a grand destination, Smith's clear and majestic timbre, supported by Fonda's pronounced bowing, proclaims “Inspiration Opus #1" into consciousness and Eyes on the Horizon sets out on a path all its own. More than just head-solo-head, Fonda employs ...
Continue ReadingJoe Fonda: Eyes On The Horizon
by Mark Corroto
When a musician who is a legend himself, herein bassist Joe Fonda, creates an album of tribute music to his mentor and teacher, it is rare that that person also performs on the recording. Fonda wrote the seven compositions heard here, with five dedicated to the master musician Wadada Leo Smith. On Eyes on The Horizon, Fonda is joined by pianist Satoko Fujii, drummer Tiziano Tononi and Smith himself. During his career, Fonda has been heard with such ...
Continue ReadingLegendary 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 ...
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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 ...
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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. ...
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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 ...
read more
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 ...
read more
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 ...
read more
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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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Photos
Music
Inspiration Opus #1
From: Eyes on the HorizonBy Wadada Leo Smith
One Hundred Dreams Part 1
From: Hyaku: One Hundred DreamsBy Wadada Leo Smith
The Patriot Act
From: The Emerald DuetsBy Wadada Leo Smith
String Quartet Nov. 1, Movement 1
From: String Quartets Nos. 1-12By Wadada Leo Smith
Social Justice – A Fire for Reimagining the World
From: Sacred CeremoniesBy Wadada Leo Smith
Amina Claudine Myers
From: TrumpetBy Wadada Leo Smith
Monk and His Five Point Ring at the Five Spot Cafe
From: Solo: Reflections and...By Wadada Leo Smith
Najwa
From: NajwaBy Wadada Leo Smith
South Central L.A. Kulture
From: Spiritual DimensionsBy Wadada Leo Smith
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Wadada Leo Smith
Instrument: Trumpet
Born: December 18, 1941
Publicist: Braithwaite & Katz Communications
