BRAD SMITH, jazz pianist, multi-keyboardist, accompanist, musical director
Education
Classical piano with Dr. George Mulder, Interlochen Arts Academy, Interlochen, Michigan 1973-1977
B.A. Degree Piano Performance, Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA, 1985
Master class and private lessons with pianist Ken Werner, Boston, MA 1984
Private instruction in Jazz Improvisation with Charlie Banacos, Boston, MA 1988-1990
Jazz piano and improvisation with Mike Marra, Boston, MA 1984-1985
Classical Piano & Weight Technique with Kathy Rand, Boston Conservatory, 1987-1989
Experience
Working pianist, since 1975 age 13, when the band failed to show up at the restaurant where I washed dishes
Cover/rock/funk/club band “Sneaker” gigged around northern Michigan, 1978-80
Pianist, recorded with Chris Bickley Big Band, “Gonna Fly Now” in IMF - Ambisonic format 1981
First two Berklee years, studied with Dick Odgren, Mike Marra, Alex Elin, Bob Winter, Jeff Covell
Started apprenticeship with Tom Sheehan, as piano technician at Berklee, 1981
Performed, wrote & arranged for Michigan jazz sextet, Equinox and singer Robin Lee Berry 1982-1983
Instructor, Jazz Piano & Improvisation, Northwestern Michigan College 1983
Jazz quartet with Bruce Dunlap, guitar, Jamey Haddad & Skip Hadden, drums, Jack Dryden, bass, Michigan 1983
Last two years at Berklee 1984-1985
Jazz trio with Robert Blobner, bass and Marcello Pelletieri, drums, Boston, MA 1984-1985
Music Therapist with blind and autistic savant, Toren Hall, Mass Assoc. for the Blind 1985
Solo, duo, trio & quartet jazz performances in Boston clubs 1982-1993
Jazz trio with Mark Pucci, bass and Mark Greel, trumpet, recorded this trio at Sculler’s Jazz Club 1989
Accompanist/keyboardist with Berklee faculty vocalist Jan Shapiro at various gigs in Boston area, late 1980’s
Jazz quartet with Mike Piepman, trumpet performed at Ryles, 1369 Club, Willow Jazz Club, 1985-1987
Cruise ship house band pianist, with New Orleans trumpeter Jamil Sharif, Premiere Cruise Lines 1988
Cruise ship house band pianist, Princess Cruise Lines, Star Princess 1989
House pianist, Ritz Hotel and other major Boston hotels, for Curtis International Agency, Boston, MA 1988-1992
Street performing, recording & NYC performances with French singer, Gary Innocent 1986-1989
Pianist with Alphonse Villalong & The Cabaret Rose, 1989-1991 Regatta Bar, Cambridge, MA
Recorded CD with Alphonso Villalonga - The Cabaret Rose, “At The Edge”, Blue Jay Studios, Carlisle, MA 1991
Recorded with Berklee faculty bassist Jim Stinnett and singer Simone Waddel, on CD “Take My Love” 1996
Performed concerts with Simone Waddell group for audiences of 5,000 and more
Currently developing an organic method for teaching jazz piano, combining basic elements of melody/rhythm/harmony to teach and develop a student’s unique style
Performed with
Stan Mark, Bruce Dunlap, Jamey Haddad, Skip Hadden, Jack Dryden, John Abercrombie, Donny McCaslin, Tim Hagans, Bill Mobley, Ian Froman, Mark Pucci, Gene Jackson, Marcello Pelletieri, Alphonso Villalonga, Matt Wilson, Bob Nieske, David Clark, Jim Stinnett, Ratso Harris, Jamil Sharif, Jan Shapiro
Discography
Chris Bickley Reef Petroleum Big Band, “Gonna Fly Now” IMF - Ambisonic format 1981
Gary Innocent, “French Ballads” 1986
Trio: Brad Smith, Mark Greel, Mark Pucci “Scullers” 1989
Alphonso Villalonga & The Cabaret Rose, “At The Edge” Independent 1991
Simone Waddel “Take My Love” Independent 1996
Links
www.SmithPiano.com
www.myspace.com/bradsmithpiano
Copyright 2009 Smith Piano Services
