Steve Smith 5

Bassist Steve Smith moved from San Francisco to Vancouver in 2000 and quickly integrated himself into the city’s vibrant jazz scene writing, recording and performing with his group FIVE. The quintet features Dave Say tenor saxophone, Kevin Elaschuk trumpet, Lisa Miller piano and Bernie Arai drums. Frequently heard around town playing original compositions of its members, SS5 also performed two major concerts during the Vancouver International Jazz Festival last summer. In addition, Smith performed in three bands led by Lisa Miller.

A native of California, Smith received a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of California, Santa Barbera in 1985. After moving to San Diego to study privately with Bertram Turetzky and Bob Magnusson, he was contracted for a series of performances in the Canadian Rockies in 1989 where he met jazz pianist and contemporary classical composer, Lisa Miller. The two lived in New York City in the early 90s where they participated in Greenwich Village sessions with artists such as Brad Mehldau, Jacky Terrason, David Sanchez and Roy Hargrove.

Steve Smith’s debut recording, Chantel’s Way (Double Time) was released in 1999 with Richie Beirach piano and Billy Hart drums. The recording showcases Smith’s unique compositional style which uses advanced harmonic plateaus open for the creative interpretation of the musicians. Now comfortably based in Vancouver, Smith continues to hone his signature as a composer and performer.