Al Smith

Al Smith is a brilliant saxophonist and composer who comes from a family rich in musical experiences.  His musical prowess was recognized at the age of three by his grandfather, Albert Simms, a violinist and native of Jamaica who taught several instruments. As a young child, Al would sit at the piano while his grandfather was composing. His first musical instruction then began at the piano. Later Al's mother Genevieve, an accomplished pianist who had performed solo concerts at Symphony Center at the age of twelve continued Al's instruction at the piano. His father Lloyd Smith, also a pianist and composer, played with Billie Holiday and many other jazz notables. Many other family members served as mentors early in Al's development including his grandmother Frances "Gammu" Simms a lyric soprano, Uncle Alfred, pianist and Uncle Warren Sr., who gave Al his first tenor and alto  saxophones. Warren Sr, performed with the bandleader Noble Sissle. Al's cousin Warren Smith Jr., accomplished percussionist, composer and bandleader also had a profound effect on his musical development from a young age. Warren has been featured with the Broadway musical West Side Story, Quincy Jones, Max Roach's percussion ensemble M'Boom among countless other acts.  Early in high school Al studied guitar, later settling on clarinet which began his career with woodwinds, continuing with Willie Pickens at The American Conservatory of Music and Bunky Green at Chicago State University.

Recipient of the 2015 BLACK EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT 

IN MUSIC - JAZZ BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTS ALLIANCE OF CHICAGO

Al is presently featured with "Intimate Contact" which features new sounds in contemporary music 

and caters to all social events