Andres Segovia, Christopher Parkening, John Williams, Nicolo Paganini, Yngwie Malmsteen, Paul Gilbert, Tony MacAlpine, Randy Rhoads, Angus Young, J.S. Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Jim Croce, The Eagles, Iron Maiden, Pantera, Jascha Heifetz, Itzhak Perlman, Franz Liszt, Django Reinhart, Al Dimeola, Paco Delucia, The Beatles, Chopin, James Taylor, America, Cat Stevens, Howard Shore, Bruce Dickinson, Geoff Tate, Ray Gillen, and the list goes on and on. I have so many influences and they are so varied, I hope this short list will give you some idea of them.
Sounds Like
My acoustic project is just me singing and playing guitar. I wanted to keep it simple so it would sound consistent when played live. I spent about 1 1/2 years fine tuning and recording these songs, because this is a new direction for me. I was completely disappointed with bands and ensemble playing and I wanted to strike out on my own, I guess to sink or swim based on my own merits as opposed to being let down continually by band members. I am not sure how to characterize the music on this album, which I suppose is typical for just about every musician. If you have read through my influences page then I guess you have a rough idea of what kind of mixture has been poured into this project. I have just recently finished my new album, "Whispered Dreams", and have posted these clips to give an idea of my new direction. Anyone interested in ordering a copy, having me perform, or if anyone could give me a hand with the business end of things please either message me or visit my website, www.kentsmedley.com, and e-mail me. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoy the tumes. If anyone would like to get a copy of the CD or Mp3's of the songs please click on the likn for CDBaby on this page! Thank you for listening!!
I am currently in the middle of a melodic hard rock project, and have 4 tunes posted on my personal website,
http://www.kentsmedley.com/rock_demo_page.html .
Check it out!! I am sure you will like it if you are a fan of this style of music. I have 5 more tunes that I am currently finishing up for this project, and I am very excited about it!!!!
I began playing the guitar at the age of 4 under the supervision of my Father, an accomplished trumpet player. At the age of 10 I began formal music lessons, studying the Guitar, Piano and Voice. At the age of 14 I began studying the Piano with Ileana Fernandez, Principal Keyboardist with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. At the age of 15 I began teaching Guitar, Piano and Music Theory with the encouragement and supervision of my music instructors.
At the age of 17 I began studying Classical Guitar with James Chandler at Jacksonville University, and Jazz Guitar with Gary Starling at Jacksonville University. At this time I was also performing 4 to 5 nights a week in clubs around the Jacksonville area with the rock band Enchanter. After less than 1 years Enchanter disbanded, and I prepared to enter the University of North Floridas Jazz Program.
At UNF I studied Jazz Guitar with the legendary Jack Petersen, founder of the guitar programs at Berklee and the University of North Texas. During this time I studied music theory and composition with Dr. William Prince and played in the UNF Jazz Band under the direction of Bruce Silva. At the same time I was still actively studying the Classical Guitar with James Chandler and attending Master Classes with Stephen Robinson of Stetson University.
In 1988 my brother, Brent Smedley, and I founded the hard rock band Prodigy. From its inception Prodigy was primarily an original band intent on becoming an established international act. After 1 year of performing and writing Prodigy recorded its first full album in the Fall of 1989. This was followed by over 1 year of intense touring in support of the album, opening shows for Megadeth, Pantera, Yngwie Malmsteen, and many other established international recording artists.
In 1990 Prodigy received the award of Best Heavy Metal Band if Florida from the most prominent Florida music magazine, JAM Magazine. This helped Prodigy secure an international recording contract in 1992, and our album was released in Europe and Japan under the name Oracle, due to trademark issues with another band of the same name. This release was followed by yet more touring and promotion. Sadly, with a new album in the works and prospects for a European headlining tour on the horizon, the band split up due to internal tensions.
After this intense experience I continued to teach Guitar and write music. In the mid-90s I recorded with recording artist Kitae, did session work and recorded my own material. I the late-90s I joined the Jazz/Fusion group Manic Expression and wrote and recorded an album with them. After this group disbanded I sang in 80s cover band Spicolis Dream. During this time I also performed numerous Classical guitar concerts and continued teaching and writing music. In 2000 I formed the neo-classical hard rock/metal band Odyssey with my brother Brent Smedley. We wrote an album and recorded a demo while playing gigs to hone our live show. Currently, I am recording a solo melodic hard-rock album that should be finished later this year. I have a sample of the new material on my website, www.kentsmedley.com. Check it out!
In my teaching career I have taught over 1000 students. Some of them have gone on to become instructors themselves, either privately or in the school system. Many of my former students have continued their studies in college, earning degrees and pursuing academic posts. Some have gone on to become professional musicians, two examples being James MacDonough (former Megadeth Bassist) and Terry Balsamo (guitarist for the bands Cold and Evanescence). On August 11,2006 I studied with world-renowned classical guitarist Christopher Parkening at his masterclass in Coral Gables, FL.
Currently I have finished up an album of acoustic guitar songs,"Whispered Dreams", and I am preparing to tour the Southeast in support of it. All the while still chasing that elusive recording contract that would be fair and mutually beneficial.
With over 20 years of professional teaching and performing experience, I am sure I can help you achieve your musical goals.
If anyone is interested in taking guitar lessons I am teaching primarily in the Lakewood area at my own shop as of 12/04/06. E-mail me at admin@kentsmedley.com.
Musically Yours,
Kent A. Smedley
TEMPEST REIGN AND SCUM OF THE EARTH NOV. 27TH @ THE PIT!!! GO TO TEMPEST REIGN'S PROFILE AND CLICK THE BUY NOW BUTTON TO GET YOUR ADVANCE TICKETS ONLINE!!!
Hello from Brazil and thanks for your friendship ! I wish you good luck !tell all your crazy friends about Syren band . Thanx for your support, I hope we can visit your city to play and drink with you, as soon as possible ! You are a great metal fan, like me..lol Get a beer and listen our new song... lol Keep in touch.. MMEEETTAAALLLL...
Where: Tempestuous' Compound When: October 30th Hosted by: Tempestuous, Boo Boo Kitty Fuck, & Simply ReD
It's that time of year again when we can all step back from reality and become the creature of your choice. Something Scary, Something Sexy, or Something Cute! What ever your hearts desire. Don't worry everyone will be dressing for this event! It's all in the name of Halloween! If you come..... out of costume you may feel alittle out of place..... But, no worries you'll be welcome none the less!
As your Beautiful Hostess'! We will supply mouth watering tid bits. All we ask of you is to bring your favorite beverage! Anyone who would like to bring a dish or munchies are more than welcome!
Remember this Halloween Bash is on October 30th @ 7:pm..... Msg anyone of the hostess' for directions! HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE!!!!
Happy Happy Birthday....hope it is a good one for you....as usual enjoyed your show last night...so glad you are sharing your talent with the world & enjoying it ....T
Hey Kent! I just wanted to sent out an invite to our show this coming Sunday night at Bourbon Street's Studio 80. The GIRLS GONE WILD people will be there along with all the other bands and debauchery that goes on. We'll be going on around 10:00pm. Hope to se you and Amy there. your friend Mike Swan
Vision Sound Studios is HD in all 3 of it’s Facilities.. The Best Part is Both Studios A and C are $35.00 Per Hour! The Highest Definition North East Florida has to offer, is affordable No Matter who you are… or what Budget your on.
So come Make some Music, While Dates are still Available!!
Dude, dom't forget we need to get together in the next couple weeks. I really had fun haning with you. Make sure that you bring Amy and we can talk shop.
Hi Kent!! It's been a while since I wrote so I wanted to say hi. Your daughter is growing up so big, she is beautiful! I just saw her pic. I found Brett and Dana Wolfe, they live in Kentucky of all places and Brett works for the railroad! I never pictured that! They have two beautiful kids, a boy and a girl. I hope they move back one day. There is something comforting about finding old friends. Good people are hard to find these days. I am glad I still have you and your bro, thru the internet anyway!! I wish I could afford guitar lessons for Dustin from you, he bugs me constantly... But then never tries to teach himself. I will see you again one day, I promise! haha! Take care!!
Online Now!
HALLOWEEN NIGHT............... TEWMPEST REIGN, MINDSLIP, AND DAYS OF THE NEW!..!..!..!..!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ALL AGES!..!!!!!!!!!!!
