when i'm not letting myself be influenced by what i think other people want me to like in order to be cool, i like: strong melodies with direction, chord progressions that envoke some kind of emotion and allow the melody to feel effortless and unforced, rhythm that flows comfortably but sometimes unpredictably, and production that shows a high level of musicianship tastefully arranged to support the song. lyrics are optional.
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Favorite Composers:
Brahms, Rachmaninov, Johann Svendsen, Morten Lauridsen, Carl Orff, Shostakovich, J.S. Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, R. Schumann, John Williams, Jett Hitt, Hans Zimmer, Howard Shore
Favorite Singers and Songwriters:
Damien Rice, Kelly Clarkson, Avril Lavigne, Jamie Cullum, Norah Jones, Jill Paquette, Keith Green, Matt Wertz, Matt Brouwer, Rufus Wainwright, Janove Ottesen, Donna Stuart, Miranda Dodson, Ross King, Fernando Ortega, Brian Long, Derek Webb, John Sherrill, Rocky Votolato, Rich Mullins, Sarah Fuselier, Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble', Jane Monheit, Ryan Adams, Cole Porter, Elton John (the older stuff)
Favorite Bands:
The Beatles, Augustana, Keane, Blue Merle, Eldridge, Mute Math, Eisley, Helen Stellar, Travis, Magnet, Simon & Garfunkel, Death Cab for Cutie, Downhere, Muse, Coldplay, The Swift, Snow Patrol, Goo Goo Dolls, East Village Opera Company, Jesse and the Rippers, Silverchair, Jars of Clay, 11:11, Switchfoot, Robbie Seay Band, Stryper (older stuff), Rhythm, Brotherhood of Redemption
Favorite Musicians: Violin: Itzhak Perlman, Nigel Kennedy, Gil Shaham, Stephane Grapelli, Mark O'Connor, David Davidson, Charlie Bisharat, Joshua Bell, Jean-Luc Ponty
Keys: Jamie Cullum, Peter Cincotti, Josh Moore, Paul English, Norah Jones, Carson Harper, Charlie Lowell, Phil Madiera, Dave Grusin, Herbie Hancock
Guitar:Phil Keaggy, Taylor Johnson, Nolan Burke, John Carney, Justin Rosolino, Dave Barnes, John Mayer, Eric Clapton
Other: Mark Holter, Scott Plugge (sax) Victor Wooten, JJ Placencio, Conrad Guthrie (bass) Carter Beauford, Vinnie Colaitua, Abe Laboriel, Jr., Jack Kelly, John Stanley, Craig Weaver (drums) Bela Fleck (banjo)
Josh Smith Auto-Bio:
I grew up in Las Vegas, NV, where I studied classical violin beginning at the age of 4. I began teaching myself piano when I was 12 and shortly after that I started to compose short pieces. Each new piece would somehow showcase whatever new style or chord change I had discovered at that time. I was highly influenced by instrumental composers in the New Age and film genres.
In high school I began learning to play the guitar, which opened my ears to new rock and pop music. I was always analyzing style and writing, learning how songs were put together and how to play the instruments that were used to play those songs.
As I studied classical violin for my Violin Performance degree, I began to play in bands, which led to some experiences in production. I believe my knowledge of classical music theory, along with my "feel" for modern music, give my productions a quality and maturity that is uniquely mine.
Once out of college I continued to play gigs and record, always expanding my musical taste, even to Latin and Jazz styles. I also rekindled my original love for composing, this time with years of musical experience to back it up. I have composed string parts for rock and jazz songs, choir pieces for churches, and underscored commercials and short video features.
These days I am a busy husband and father, working part time at a church, but spending as much time as I can composing and arranging for various clients, and building up my music library.
Hey Josh! Congratulations on your baby girl. She is so beautiful. It's been a long time. Last time that I saw you...you weren't even married yet. I am really happy for you. So how is your music going?
Thanks cousin! I am ever so ready for today to be over and to walk tomorrow! I think I will be taking a job in Nacogdoches and staying here for a while, just to get on my feet! Thanks again and congrats on baby Smith, I can't wait to meet her!
um sweetie you have another composition to add to your list...i think maybe a few that are worthy. I'm just wondering why they aren't on there. I don't know what criteria must be met. Until your satisfied maybe i dunno. Love you!
You're an all around and specifically talented violinist, keyboardist, arranger, producer and now husband. I'm honored to be included with and add you as a friend.
