Richard Smith
Richard Smith is a Full Professor and former Chair of the Studio/Jazz Guitar department at the renowned Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. His students are working with artists from Broadway and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, to Oliver Stone, B.T., Mark Anthony, Snoop Dog, Blink 182, Beck, the Back Street Boys, Josh Grobin, Michael Buble, Elton John, Clay Aiken, Christina Aguilara, Miley Cyrus/Hanna Montana and Madonna.
His 10 solo recordings have established him as a veteran of the contemporary and Smooth jazz world in the United States – with critical success on every one of his releases. His albums have garnished praise such as “Best Contemporary Jazz Guitar Album” (Tune Up Magazine), a nomination for “Record of the Year” (Ad Lib Magazine, Tokyo), and “Best New Artist” (Radio & Records Magazine). His album 'SOuLIDIFIED' spent 17 weeks in the top 10 for radio airplay of American contemporary jazz radio (Radio and Records Magazine) and 3 weeks at number 1 for satelliteand cable airplay (Music Choice). His latest recording, ‘L.A.CHILLHARMONIC’ features Alex Acuna, Brian Bromberg, Vinnie Colaiuta, Jeff Lorber, Eric Marienthal, Michael Paulo, Greg Adams, and members of the Tower of Power horn section. The touring ensemble won a nomination for best International group of the year from the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards.
In EUROPE Richard has performed masterclasses at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (London), The Academy of Contemporary Music (Guildford), The Leeds College of Music, The London College of Contemporary Music, the Academy of Popular Culture (Leeuwarden, Holland), The Rotterdam Conservatorium, The Utrecht Conservatorium, Music Academy 2000 - Bologna, The Universtate d'Rome, The ESC Guitar Seminar, Siracusa and many more. He has performed at venues throughout Holland, the U.K. and Italy with his band - made up of top Dutch and Italian musicians.Europe booking contact: rsmith@usc.edu
USA Bookings: Bruce@centralentertainment.com
