Jimmy Smith
Detroit-based trumpeter, composer, and arranger Jimmy Smith is an established voice on the Midwest jazz scene, known for his original music, strong ensemble writing, and versatility as both a bandleader and collaborator. He holds a Master’s degree in Jazz Performance from the Aaron Copland School of Music and is an alumnus of Berklee College of Music and Wayne State University.
Since 2012, Smith has been a co-leader of the Hughes/Smith Quintet (HSQ), a Detroit-based ensemble dedicated to original music rooted in the city’s bebop tradition. The group is recognized for fresh compositions, tight ensemble interplay, compelling solos, and hard-swinging grooves. Smith has released
three albums with HSQ—From Here On Out (2013), Ever Up & Onward (2015), and Motion, the latter of which reached #1 on the Roots Music Report and received significant radio airplay on WEMU, Blue Lake Public Radio, and WDET.In 2019, Smith collaborated with NYC trombonist John Yao on the sextet album The Gates (Shifting Paradigm Records). The recording was praised by JazzTimes and described by Midwest Record as “hot stuff throughout that never quits.”A founding member of The Woodward Horns, Smith is a first-call freelance and studio musician. His performance credits include Detroit Symphony Orchestra Pops performances and work with artists such as Victoria Monét, Aretha Franklin, and The Temptations. He has also shared the stage with jazz artists including Jimmy Heath, Antonio Hart, Jim Rotondi, Michael Phillip Mossman, Kenny G, and has performed with the Arturo O’Farrill Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra.Smith’s projects have appeared at leading venues and festivals, including Cliff Bell’s, the Detroit Jazz Festival, The Bop Stop, the Detroit Institute of Arts, The Blue Llama, Motor City Wine, Cadieux Café, and The Dirty Dog Jazz Café, with performances both nationally and internationally.In addition to his performing career, Smith is a dedicated music educator. He has served as an artist-in-residence in New York City public schools, is a certified music educator in Michigan, and currently serves as Director of Bands at Avondale Middle School.
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