Wadada Leo Smith

Wadada Leo Smith is a renowned trumpeter, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and improviser born on December 18, 1941, in Leland, Mississippi. His musical journey began in high school concert and marching bands, and at thirteen, he became involved with Delta Blues and other traditional music forms. Smith received formal musical education from his stepfather, Alex "Little Bill" Wallace, and through programs at the U.S. Military band, Sherwood School of Music, and Wesleyan University. He is celebrated for his "Creative Music" style, which emphasizes spiritual harmony and social issues. Smith is also known for developing *Ankhrasmation*, a symbolic image-based language for musicians, which he first realized in 1967.

Over the years, Wadada Leo Smith has released numerous albums, including recent works like *Masnavi: A Sonic Meditation and Reflections on Light*, *Central Park's Mosaics of Reservoir, Lake, Paths and Gardens*, and *Lebroba*. His diverse discography reflects his exploration of various music cultures, including African, Japanese, Indonesian, European, and American traditions. Smith has been a member of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) for decades, contributing significantly to the evolution of contemporary music. His work continues to inspire audiences with its unique blend of creativity and cultural depth.

Genres

Free Jazz

Avant-garde

Jazz

Latest Release

Masnavi: A Sonic Meditation and Reflections on Light

Wadada Leo Smith

Single - Released June 12, 2024