Vocalist
Sy Smith is long renowned as the “Queen of Underground Soul” for her edgy, progressive mix of funk, neo-soul and R&B, lyrical dexterity, her vocal whimsy (often colored with a very distinctive rhythmic swing that’s all her own) and her ability to spin a story like few others in soul music. Listeners often remark on Smith’s vocal range, which moves effortlessly from a speakeasy, gritty alto all the way to a stratospheric soprano whistle register reminiscent of the late Minnie Riperton. This Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter and producer helped cultivate the nu-soul scene. Sy tours worldwide with trumpeter Chris Botti, and jazz critics have also taken note of Smith’s solo performances in her genre-bending presentations. All 5 of her albums, including her brand new project “Sometimes A Rose Will Grow In Concrete” have been heralded by critics around the world for Smith’s lyrical dexterity, her vocal whimsy (often colored with a very distinctive rhythmic swing that’s all her own) and her ability to spin a story like few others in soul music.
Sy Smith is long renowned as the “Queen of Underground Soul” for her edgy, progressive mix of funk, neo-soul and R&B, lyrical dexterity, her vocal whimsy (often colored with a very distinctive rhythmic swing that’s all her own) and her ability to spin a story like few others in soul music. Listeners often remark on Smith’s vocal range, which moves effortlessly from a speakeasy, gritty alto all the way to a stratospheric soprano whistle register reminiscent of the late Minnie Riperton. This Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter and producer helped cultivate the nu-soul scene. Sy tours worldwide with trumpeter Chris Botti, and jazz critics have also taken note of Smith’s solo performances in her genre-bending presentations. All 5 of her albums, including her brand new project “Sometimes A Rose Will Grow In Concrete” have been heralded by critics around the world for Smith’s lyrical dexterity, her vocal whimsy (often colored with a very distinctive rhythmic swing that’s all her own) and her ability to spin a story like few others in soul music.
Sy Smith was previously presented in the Women in Jazz concert production called “September Song!” on Sept 30, 2018.