Current Cecilia Smith Quintet Members -
Cecilia Smith - Vibes,
Carlton Holmes - Piano/Keyboard,
Kenny Davis - Bass,
Ron Savage - Drums,
Elon Robin Dixon - Vocals.
Please view Cecilia's web site for additional information on
other project members - www.ceciliasmith.com
Influences
.. CDBABY LINK for CECILIA SMITH: Dark Triumph-The Life of Victoria Lancaster Smith Through Spoken Word and Music (2 Cd set) -->
Cecilia has just won the prestigious JOYCE AWARD in music composition. This new MULTI-MEDIA work will premier during the TRI-C JAZZ FESTIVAL on April 29, 2009 at the OHIO THEATER. IT Features a 16 piece ensemble - HD video footage on 3 screens and spoken word elements. Please go to the following web site to read more.
http://www.joycefdn.org/FeaturedTopics/FeaturedTopicDetails.aspx?NewsId=260
and
www.ceciliasmith.com
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Cecilia has also been working on the archives of MAX ROACH. Documenting all of Max's work!
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Cecilia Smith is currently one of the leading vibraphonists of Four Mallet Technique and an ardent composer. She tours nationally and internationally with her various projects. She has recorded and performed with several renown artists including: Gary Bartz, Greg Osby, Milt Hinton, Alan Dawson, Randy Weston, Donald Harrison, Hubert Laws, Mulgrew Miller, Donald Byrd (trumpet), Cassandra Wilson, and Digable Planets. She has released 5 independent c.d.’s on the national and international level and one Japanese release . Her current c.d. is called DARK TRIUMPH (DT). DT Exposes Cecilia’s compositional abilities, through the use of full rhythm section, a - 23 piece string ensemble and Boy Sopranos from the Boys Choir of Harlem.
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She is currently the Artistic Director of the MARY LOU WILLIAMS RESURGENCE PROJECT (MLWRP). For the past 7 years she has, arranged, composed and exposed the unheralded work of Mary Lou Williams. This works has been celebrated at the Kennedy Center on a number of occasions. Cecilia recently appeared with the MLWRP at the Kennedy Center with an All-Star, Multi-generational mixed gendered big band, an All Star small ensemble and The Morgan State University Choir.
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Cecilia is a graduate, former faculty member and clinician for Berklee College of Music.
She currently lives in Brooklyn, NY where she is a Senior Teaching Artist, teaching music in therapeutic settings for Hospital Audiences, Inc. (HAI) throughout NYC.
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Cecilia is also a sought after Clinician where she teaches at a number of colleges and universities throughout the US and abroad. ***************************************************************************
Lately Cecilia has been building a reel that will show her ability to write music for commercials. Check out the piece listed titled - ELUSIVE MONTAGE - if you are an advertiser looking for music for your products for Radio or Television. Contact me through my web site if you're interested in my work for hire.
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For more info and contact info- View Cecilia’s full bio on line at- www.ceciliasmith.com
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Review Quotes:
Dark Triumph - This mix of storytelling and music of the highest order, Ellingtonian in scope and magnificence, unmistakably American, uplifting beauty, a masterpiece. . . . . All About Jazz.com
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. . . . . . . . . The legacy of the pianist and composer, (Mary Lou Williams) who died in 1981, has always been a spiritual touchstone for the (Kennedy Center MLW Festival), festival performances, but this year it triggered a jubilant celebration, the mood charged by secular and sacred sounds alike. … Vibraphonist, arranger and bandleader Cecilia Smith saw to that. – The Washington Post . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
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See web site for info Cecilia's various projects:
Cecilia Smith Duo with Pianist - Amina Claudine Myers,
The Cecilia Smith Quintet,
The Mary Lou Williams Resurgence Project - (MLWRP), Big Band & Choir,
The Dark Triumph Project - Orchestra and The Boys Choir of Harlem,
www.ceciliasmith.com
Gosh, listening to you is like breathing fresh air! Such beauty in your compositional arrangements. You out did yourself on Africa Remembered. Simply Marvelous! The expansiveness of the jazz/improv idiom comes through your work. Listening to you brings me back to that wonderful place called creativity, so lacking in today's music. Peace and Blessings!
Just passing by to say hi and hope you had a pleasant weekend? Here's hoping you have an even bigger and better week ahead. Best wishes to you and yours. Be safe, happy and productive and let the week be fufilling!
A Big Thanks for the ad and friendship. Glad to be here! Broadcasting- Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Classic R&B, Motown, Disco, Funk and Soul Oldies Rock and Roll!
Share the love and pass it on! Join our network free! You might just be our next featured artist!
"Africa remembered" reminds me of my very own memories of Africa. "From confusion to order" shares my passion for lyrical music! Stay creative Cecilia! /Mattias
/Mattias
Roberto De Carolis